A new exhibition exploring local dressmaking and handcrafts in the 1900s has recently opened at Subiaco Museum.
Subiaco was the dressmaker’s suburb in the early 1900s, with dressmaker home and business listings increasing five-fold from 1895 to 1915.
The ‘A Woman’s Work; Dressmaking and Handcrafts in Subiaco’ exhibition explores the local industry and how dressmaking was a skill that helped many women provide an income for the family during this time.
The exhibition features some stunning hand sewn dresses, old patterns and handmade lace, as well as an early foot pedal sewing machine and a hand driven sewing machine.
Also on display are a variety of handcrafts, crochet and embroidery – all created by local women in the early 1900s to the 1960s, as well as the tools used to create them
Subiaco Museum is located at 239 Rokeby Road between the City’s Administration Centre and Subiaco Library. It’s open Tuesday to Friday from 1pm to 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. It’s free to visit.
