Summary

Black satin evening coat with aquamarine blue satin lining and trim on cuff. Belonged to Betty Anderson of Kew. The date of the coat is unconfirmed, but may be 1920s.

Betty (Elizabeth) was the daughter of James Caldwell Anderson and Mary Lloyd Anderson, and grand-daughter of renowned architect Lloyd Tayler. Born in 1889, Betty was one of four siblings, all of whom she outlived. The family lived at 'Mynda', 5 Molesworth Street, Kew, Melbourne. Betty seems to have served as a nurse during World War I, although details are confined to a nurse's apron and a photograph. She never married, and lived to the age of 92, passing away in 1982.

Betty (and her mother Minnie) had several items of black clothing in this period, which could suggest mourning clothing. Her father and brother had both died in 1915 (their deaths were not related to World War I). Although she was actively involved in World War I, serving in the Red Cross, Betty never married. It is not known if she lost others to whom she was close during the War.

Physical Description

Black satin evening coat with blue satin lining. Coat has padded, ruched collar with self-covered buttons at either side and loop fastening; three pin tucks on front and back shoulders. Dolman sleeves with wide-folded cuff and blue satin trim. Fastens at waist on left side with two long black satin ties. Lining is sewn in pleats at edges of front opening and fold over to form trim at front. Small, blue satin pocket with rouched edge sewn to lining on left side.

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