Item SH 880223 Dress - Evening, Black Silk Georgette, circa 1920-1930

Summary

Black silk georgette evening dress with black silk lining. Used circa 1920-1930. Belonged to Betty Anderson of Kew.

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 silk georgette evening dress with black silk lining. Dress is drop-waisted and has flounce hanging from left shoulder. At waist on left side are two black decorative buckles of bakelite. Below buckle hangs flounce formed by ends of overskirt. Bodice has overlaid decorative panels of same material in asymmetrical, concentric pattern. Sleeves are long with overlaid panels as on bodice.