The Fashion and Textile Gallery

Primary and Secondary School Courses

education

The following courses are adapted to the age of the school students visiting the gallery. Handouts and power point presentation will be delivered to all studnets.

Investigating Textiles

In this 90 minute workshop, our focus will be on the fascinating and evolving world of textiles.

Included in our discussions will be:

• Types of textiles from Victorian wool to 20th century synthetics (students invited to handle different fabrics)
• The history behind Australian wool and cotton industry
• Then certain fabrics were popular and worn and what types of garments were most suited to the fabric. (A bit of social history will be included.)
• Manufacturing processes will also be touched on.
• Fabric patterns and why they represent particular eras
• Natural and chemical dyes
• Power point presentation will be delivered with illustrations and photographs

Hands-on activities during the workshop

• Actual fabric swatches for students to handle and identify
• A textile project: create your own fabric design
• Look at antique and vintage garments from The Darnell Collection made from different types of fabrics

Fashion in 1880 and 1980: Explore the Drastic Change in Fashion

In this 90 minute we look at 2 very different periods in time when fashion altered significantly: the bustle silhouette seen at the end of the Victorian era in the 19th century and the tailored power suits made by influential fashion designers in the 1980s.

Using classic examples of garments and accessories from The Darnell Collection, students learn how to identify the styles from both periods. Rare and fascinating Victorian undergarments including bustles, petticoats and camisoles will be part of the discussion as will couture and designer clothes from the 1980s.

Social history and how women's roles changed in the one hundred years up for discussion will be an important aspect of the workshop.

Using an illustrated template, students will be invited to create their own garment suitable for wear in the 1880s or 1980s. Fabric samples, coloured pens and other craft materials will be available for student use.

Hats, Bonnets and Cap: The History of Headwear

The history of headwear is great story. In this 90 minute workshop we discover why headwear was and still is important for different countries, religions and social groups. We look at the differences between hats, caps and bonnets and who is wearing them. We also look at the different styles, materials used in making them and how headwear styles both follow fashion, enhance fashion and mimic fashion.

Famous milliners are discussed and real antique and vintage examples are on display from The Darnell Collection for students to look at and handle. Included in the historic display will be men's, women's and children's headwear.

At the end of the talk, students will be invited to design their own hat, cap or bonnet. Fabric samples, paper, coloured pencils and other craft materials will be available for the students' use.

History of Swimwear: Australia's Role

In this one hour workshop, the history of swimwear will focus on the changing styles of swimwear and Australia's impact on the swimwear industry. Included in our discussions will be the change in attitude about swimming from the Georgian and Victorian eras to the 20th century; the history of wool as a bathing suit fabric; the advance in technology which gave us synthetic fabrics much more suited swimwear; Australian professional swimmer, Annette Kellerman and her attempt at making swimwear safer; the history and importance of Speedo.

Many bathing suits, some rare and unusual, from The Darnell Collection will feature in this workshop. A powerpoint presentation incorporating photographs and illustrations of swimwear will add to the discussion.