Summary

Alternative Name(s): Bathers

Women's Black Lance brand bathing costume of blue wool, made circa 1940-1959. It was part of the unsold stock held by Steinberg drapery when it closed.

Hyman Steinberg immigrated from Palestine in 1924 and his future wife Phyllis immigrated from the Russian-Polish border in 1927. Hyman established a manufacturing business in Elgin Street, Carlton, making men's and women's hosiery. He continued manufacturing there until 1938. Meanwhile, in 1930, Hyman and his wife had leased a shop across the road from their mill in Elgin Street and begun a drapery business. There were many other Jewish shopkeepers in Carlton and several other drapery shops in Elgin and Lygon Streets. The Steinberg Drapery was operated by Hyman and Phyllis until Hyman's death in 1975. Mrs Steinberg retired in 1989, aged nearly 80, and Museum Victoria acquired many items from the store.

Physical Description

Knitted blue woollen bathing costume sewn in panels with central panel forming half skirt at bottom. No reinforcing in cups. Relatively narrow shoulder straps, V-shaped back. Classic mailot style. Bust and sides lined with cream-coloured wool of finer knit.

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