Summary

Digital photograph of Rosemary Norman aged six years with Nellie McKay her nursemaid, 1939. They are travelling on an Orient Line ship from Melbourne to London with Rosemary's parents, her father Reginald Havill Norman in his role as manager of the Orient Line Melbourne Branch.

This image relates to Rosemary's doll Sweedie (HT 57398) which was purchased for her sixth birthday by her mother during this trip to London. Rosemary's nanny Nellie made extra clothing items for the doll, probably during the 1940s.

Nellie McKay was a trained chef, recruited in London to work for the Normans at the Orient Line property 'Taormina' in Stonnington Place in Toorak. The Normans entertained frequently to generate custom for the Orient Line and Nellie cooked for those occasions as well as for the family. Rosemary spent her early years with Nellie, often in the kitchen and Nellie taught her to sew and knit.

Description of Content

Woman and child seated, woman with arm around child, with ship rigging in background.

Physical Description

Black and white digital photograph copied from original print

Significance

This collectionl provides an insight into the play and material culture of children in Australia from more privileged backgrounds. There is also an interesting connection to the Orient Shipping Line through the donor's father. The doll demonstrates the popularity of regional costumed dolls for both children and adults.

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