POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Wedding dress worn by Janet McDonald

Object No. 86/648

This two piece dress dates from around 1887 and was worn as a wedding dress by an Australian Indigenous women identified as "Mrs Janet McDonald" and donated as a gift to the Museum by her granddaughter, a Mrs James from Cremorne, Sydney, in 1986. Even today, the government administers marriage laws in Australia and assumes control over peoples eligibility to marry. In the 1900s some states enacted laws regulating who Indigenous Australians could or could not marry. The dress reflects the way missionaries, reserve managers and people charged with the welfare of Aboriginal people perceived the white wedding as a means towards assimilation. It was frequently the case that Aboriginal staff would be given hand-me-downs for special occasions - such as weddings. This gown is made of intense purple silk and has undergone quite significant alterations - quite possibly as part of Mrs McDonald's adaptation of the garment for her own ceremony. The beautiful deep purple beaded bustle dress is obviously well worn and appears to have been later cut to salvage the fabric for another use. Marcus Hughes Head of Indigenous Engagement & Strategy

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Summary

Object Statement

Wedding dress, silk taffeta / beads / braid, worn by Janet McDonald, Australia, c. 1887

Physical Description

Wedding gown comprising bodice and skirt in deep purple silk taffeta. The fitted bodice has a standing collar, long fitted sleeves and a centre front opening fastening with sixteen gilt buttons at front (originally eighteen; three buttons are replacements). The full skirt is pleated into the waist and gatheredinto a bustle at the back. The front of the bodice, sleeve cuffs and skirt are trimmed with applied beaded braid.

HISTORY

Notes

This dress was worn as a wedding dress by an Australian Indigenous woman identified as Mrs Janet McDonald. It was donated to the Museum by her granddaughter, Mrs James in 1986.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs James, 1986

Acquisition Date

22 May 1986

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