Photograph of Bambi Shmith by Bruno Benini
Object No. 2009/43/1-1/9
This photograph is a part of the Bruno Benini photography archive acquired by the Museum with the assistance of the Commonwealth Government's National Cultural Heritage Account. It was taken by Bruno Benini in 1957 in the grounds of the University of Melbourne. Model Patricia Tuckwell, known at this time as Bambi Shmith, wears a Hall Ludlow designed black and white 'Magpie' tweed tunic with black bows adorning the sides. Described as Australia's 'first true couturier', Ludlow was known for his fine stitching, high technical skill and unique designs, despite having no formal training. Prior to her successful career as a model, Patricia Tuckwell was a violinist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Here she was given the moniker Bambi and reportedly attracted concert-goers wanting to see her great beauty. On 7 July 1948 Tuckwell married fashion photographer Athol Shmith and in 1951 founded the Mannequin's Association of Victoria along with other prominent models of the time. After the end of her marriage to Shmith in 1957, Tuckwell moved to England and in 1967 amidst scandal, married George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood, becoming Countess of Harewood. Alysha Buss, Curatorial Intern 2009
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Summary
Object Statement
Photographic print, black and white, model Bambi Shmith, client Hall Ludlow, location Melbourne University, photograph by Bruno Benini, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1957
Physical Description
Photographic print, black and white, model Bambi Shmith, client Hall Ludlow, location Melbourne University, photograph by Bruno Benini, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1957 Tweed tunic over skirt, tuni has black velvet bows down the side.
DIMENSIONS
Height
609 mm
Width
508 mm
Depth
2 mm
HISTORY
Notes
This object is part of the Bruno Benini photography archive which was acquired by the Powerhouse Museum with the assistance of the Australian Government's National Cultural Heritage Account in 2009. This particular print was created by Benini for the 'Bruno Benini: fashion images 1956-1976' exhibition held at RMIT Gallery, Melbourne, Friday 12 February - Saturday 13 March 1999. Sydney's Flair magazine (December 1967, p.67) features an advertisement for the 'Bambi Smith (sic) Model College and Television Studios', 120 Collins Street, Melbourne. This tweed 'Magpie' tunic with black bows down the side was designed by Hall Ludlow. Described as Australia's 'first true couturier', Ludlow was known for his fine stitching, high technical skill and unique designs, despite having no formal training.
SOURCE
Acquisition Date
19 June 2009
Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.
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