Ken doll wearing Qantas pilot's uniform from the 1920s
Object No. 2010/70/1-2
This donation consists of forty-two Ken and Barbie dolls dressed in Qantas uniforms hand-made by John Willmott-Potts, who worked as a cook and flight steward with Qantas for 24 years. Each doll represents a different Qantas uniform design from 1948-2009 and where possible John matched the Barbie to the date the uniform was released. The uniforms were crafted from original patterns which a friend of Willmott-Potts miniaturised to enable John to fit them for the Barbie and Ken dolls. This collection brings together, and makes visible, the entire set of Qantas uniforms in a non-pictorial format. The patterns, and some of the cloth used, have been sourced from originals. They were originally used as part of a travelling display entitled 'Stiches in Time'; a talk on the history of Qantas which John delivered to schools, museums and libraries in rural New South Wales. John Willmott-Potts's story, and collection, is a unique example of one man's passion for this iconic Australian Company and the culture which it bred among its staff.
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Summary
Object Statement
Doll (1 of 42), Ken wearing Qantas pilot uniform from 1920s, plastic / textile, doll made by Mattel Inc, United States of America, costume made by John Willmott-Potts, Australia, 1988-2010
Physical Description
The Ken doll is wearing a full length brown coat with fur lining around the neck, complete with thick brown trousers and a pair of black plastic boots. He is also wearing a brown leather pilots cap, with ear flaps, neck strap and goggles.
DIMENSIONS
Width
100 mm
Depth
45 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
This is a miniature version of the clothing worn by Qantas pilots in the 1920s. It is part of a collection of miniature Qantas uniforms made by former Qantas steward John Willmott Potts between 1988 - 2010.
SOURCE
Acquisition Date
18 October 2010
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