Summary

Evening coat made of sheer black georgette embossed with velvet. Used circa 1920.

It may have been worn by either Minnie Anderson or her daughter Betty. Mary 'Minnie' Lloyd Anderson was one of five children of renowned architect Lloyd Tayler (1830-1900) and Sarah Toller. She married James Caldwell Anderson; they had a son and three daughters. The family lived at 'Mynda', 5 Molesworth Street, Kew, designed by Lloyd Tayler. She died in 1951, aged 91.

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

Evening coat made of sheer black georgette embossed with velvet in a floral pattern. Black fur collar and open shawl neckline. Coat fasteners at hem with paste clasp in silver, black and glass. Hem lowers at sides. Silk fringe falls from hem. Long sleeves with 40mm hem. Inner side of sleeve hem tacked above hem, creating slight shaping at wrist. Five 20mm long vertical pin tucks at centre back neckline.

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