Summary

Alternative Name(s): Dinner Dress

Drop-waisted dinner-style dress of black silk georgette. Used circa 1930 by 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 served in the Red Cross 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, apparently serving as a nurse, Betty never married. It is not known if she lost others to whom she was close during the War.

Physical Description

Black dinner dress of silk georgette and silk machine lace with drop waist. Bodice made of machine lace. Front bodice features a central tapered georgette panel, extending into V neckline. Back bodice features a central triangular georgette panel. Long fitted sleeves made of machine lace finished with mock cuffs with triangular shape on outer arm. Cuffs fasten with two black metal press studs. Underside of cuff opening finished with a pinked edge. Shaped yoke at dropped waist. Georgette overskirt attached to yoke with centre front opening and scalloped lace trim. Georgette underskirt with bottom flounce. Bottom flounce of skirt is lined with silk. Black silk camisole-like lining with shoulder straps stitched at shoulder seam and below waist. Length of black georgette was in a bow (now untied) - possibly attached at centre front waistline where pin holes are visible.

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