Winner

Fassifern District Historical Society, Templin Museum
Madam Weigel – The woman who clothed Australasia

Following a talk by Dr Veronica Lampkin, who was launching her book, Madame Weigel: The woman who clothed the colonies, the Fassifern District Historical Society’s Common Threads group discovered that the Templin Museum held several Madame Weigel patterns. As an exercise, they each took a pattern and made a garment, using fabrics that were donated from deceased estates and buttons and zips from the era.

Madame Weigel was the first designer of the divided skirt for side-saddle riding. Local woman Mrs Betts’ jacket, divided skirt and riding bodice, along with her side-saddle, are documented in the Templin Collection, dated 1890–1900. 

A further visit from Dr Lampkin, armed with books and journals, led to the realisation that the Templin Museum held a vast collection of articles made by local women, and an exhibition was developed.