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This fascinating exhibition reveals and explores the museum's collection of historical costume, including some of the earliest garments worn by women living in Nelson during settlement of the province.
Study the garments in detail, and then go beyond this to explore elements of the society in which they were created, worn and treasured.
Many early photographs of costume from the museum's collection are featured along with in depth stories about individual dresses.
Exhibition researcher and curator Paula Haines-Bellamy. Photo
by The Nelson Provincial Museum
This exceptional exhibition is the result of an extensive project undertaken by Paula Haines-Bellamy for postgraduate study through the University of Otago that extensively researched the dresses themselves and encompassed a wide range of resources including collection records, archives, documents and photographs from the museum's collection. The dresses have been reconnected with their history.
As many of the garments are very fragile, this may be the only opportunity to see them on display.
This exhibition will be of great interest to anyone with an interest in regional history, design, textiles and clothing.
Dress your family in old styled costumes and take a photo to record your visit.
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 Exhibition Foyer |
 Immigration |
 Settlement |
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 Daily Life |
 Textiles and Technology |
 Remnants of Past Lives |
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JUNE 8 Sonya Leusink-Sladen (Fashion writer) - Style lessons from our foremothers.
JUNE 15 Jill Alexander (Madcat Label) - Where do ideas come from? The research behind a fashion collection.
JUNE 22 Kaye Kelly (Historical novelist) - Finding the threads of a story.
JUNE 29 Paula Haines-Bellamy (Curator and researcher) - About the exhibition / care of textiles.
Unpicking the Past: revealing our dress collection is proudly sponsored by:
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