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A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from one of Greater Shepparton’s many volunteers.
Our volunteers give a great deal of their time to our community, making it richer and stronger, and I delight in hearing from them.
However, this communication was different; it included the following:
“I am a volunteer in the Loel Thomson Costume Collection at MOVE. The Collection is a truly amazing tourist attraction for Shepparton, as are all of the exhibits at MOVE; however, we find the collection is still relatively unknown, even though it has been at MOVE for three years.”
There was much more — a passionate plea from Judith Russell, asking me to help spread the word about one of Shepparton’s most important assets. So, of course, I responded, suggesting a day and time for a chat.
The Loel Thomson Costume Collection
If you have visited MOVE and had a good look at the display, you have seen just five per cent of the collection.
The dozen or so volunteers do a wonderful job, not just showing a garment or item but telling a story about life in a particular period.
And they refresh the exhibition regularly.
There are around 10,000 items — wedding and ball gowns, day frocks, men’s outfits, children’s clothes and hundreds of accessories, including hats, shoes and bags.
There are also jewelled items, no longer in use today, such as chatelaines, which housekeepers or ladies of the manor wore to carry keys or spectacles, and posy holders, which a lady would attach to her gown to carry a posy of fresh flowers to a ball.
The display of lace items includes a small child’s jacket — and what a lucky little girl she was.
The items in this incredible collection date from the late 18th century to 2010.
My favourite item
As I browsed the current exhibition, I kept returning to a cream wedding gown.
It was worn in the 1930s and again in 1992.
As I write, I am imagining this second bride, who had been shown her grandmother’s (possibly great-grandmother’s) wedding gown and knew there was nothing available in the ’90s to compare.
It is elegant and beautiful, with a veil and train of the softest, finest tulle.
It truly captured my imagination, and I hope both brides had long and successful marriages — because we all know the marriage is more important than the wedding, no matter how beautiful.
About Loel
It took 40 years for Loel to put this collection together. When she and Bryan purchased ‘Noorilim’ in 1975, she began thinking about the ladies who had lived in the house in the past. She had always been a collector; as a child, she liked seashells and butterflies.
Noorilim was built in 1879 for William Irving Winter and his wife. In the local Aboriginal language, the name means “many lagoons”.
Loel researched the history of their home and the social history of the period.
She set up the drawing room as it could have been in the 1870s and added mannequins with outfits and the correct accessories.
The Thomsons then held fundraising events, opening the recreated rooms and raising money for various local organisations, including the hospital and the historical society.
Loel undertook studies in Melbourne and in Bath, with a project clearly in mind; she would explore the social history of Australian women from the time of the First Fleet.
She then began adding men’s and children’s clothing, as well as a range of accessories and homewares.
She wanted to tell stories of “everyday” life, and she had some assistance; there were welcomed donations from people who visited or heard about her project.
In 1999, they sold Noorilim and moved their still-expanding collection — as well as themselves — into a former computer factory in Bulleen.
The facility already had the temperature control needed to preserve historic textiles. It was clean and sterile — the perfect environment for their collection.
She still accepted bookings for interested groups but asked for a donation. Loel was still fundraising for charities.
In 2019, Loel was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her services to community history.
But, a short time later, the North East Link compulsorily acquired the Bulleen property.
The collection urgently needed to be rehoused, and MOVE stepped in, offering a custom-built space to house and display the collection.
One of Shepparton’s most impressive assets
To be frank with you, I’m wondering if we fully appreciate what we have here.
I know I didn’t! However, when I visited the storeroom and saw the thousands of items — not merely beautiful but a part of our history — my mind started racing.
This collection will bring people to our city, without a doubt. We just need to find a way to make this happen.
Recently, two buses pulled into Emerald Bank.
They were on a food and wine trip and travelling together.
The drivers said that “next time” they would allow more time because there was so much to see.
Emerald Bank is a perfect stop for the buses that travel through Shepparton.
And my first conversation about encouraging this was with Lloyd Mawson — perhaps 16 years ago.
If 45 people step off a bus, they are not all going to head in one direction — they will spread out.
Many will be ‘just looking’, but with appealing products across several businesses, there would inevitably be sales.
(Try visiting Riverside Gardens without buying something for somebody.)
Perhaps there wouldn’t be sufficient time to enjoy MOVE, but busloads of people would help spread the word.
Perhaps, as they left, people were saying, “I poked my head into MOVE; did you see that wonderful costume collection? I’m coming back, one day soon. Must bring my husband — ladies to the left, men to the right.”
And, one way or another, we need to do just that. Spread the word!
If you have visitors over the holiday period, please remember the remarkable, beautiful and historic collection to be found at Emerald Bank.
By the way, do you have a few spare hours?
Judith tells me that the Costume Collection needs volunteers. It is pleasant, satisfying work — caring for the exhibits and changing them regularly.
You will chat with our visitors, make them feel welcome and, hopefully, enjoy yourself while helping Shepparton become a stronger tourist destination.
It truly is a win-win situation. If you would like to help, please email volunteers@moveshepparton.com.au for more information or call 5823 5833.
Details
MOVE is open every day — except major public holidays. The entry fee offers full access to all exhibitions.
Entry fees:
- Adults: $20
- Concession: $16
- Juniors (5 to 16 years): $12
- Family (two adults and up to four juniors): $50
Don’t forget the heritage open days — November 29 and 30.
This event is better and bigger than ever, and programs are available from the council office in Welsford St. More information next week, but buses are filling quickly.
Take care — and be grateful you don’t live in the United States. My sons are telling me that “138 million (approximately) did not vote — and that’s freedom for you!”
May it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk, The News, P.O. Box 204, Shepparton 3631
Phone: Text or call 0409 317 187
Town Talk