Summary

Sleeveless scoop-necked evening dress made of black chiffon and machine made lace. Used circa 1920-1930. Belonged to Betty Anderson, 'Mynda', Molesworth Street, 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) 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 not related to World War I). Although she was actively involved in World War I, apparently serving as a nurse, it is not known if Betty lost others to whom she was close.

Physical Description

Sleeveless scoop-necked evening dress made of black chiffon and machine lace. Sheer chiffon body has dropped waist with panels of lace embedded from bust to 3/4 down the skirt. Skirt fabric slightly gathers at side of dropped waist. The chiffon layer has a modified handkerchief hem with a machined finised edge. The neckline and arm holes are finished with bias binding made from self fabric. Thin stap holder with silver press stud at shoulder. The dress is lined in black silk attached via the scalloped lace at bust. Front and back center panels have a lace trim on lining visable through the sheer chiffon. Skirt lining has side panels which are tiered with two rows of fringing. The purpose of these is probably to give body or show on the dance floor. The lining hem is finished with a long hand stitch.

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