‘The Fabric of History’ Guided Tour of Historic Costumes in Goulburn

Costume specialist Lindie Ward and site specific guides will reveal the clothes and customs of life in 19th Century Goulburn and how we look after them now.

Start the day at Garroorigang, the home of the Hume family and former Inn and Boys Boarding School. See rare christening and children’s clothes, a 1890’s lady’s jacket, wedding and ball gowns, day dresses, under garments and other related items.

The tour will move on to St Saviour’s Cathedral where skilfully made and highly decorative Bishops vestments will be on display, amongst the other historic textiles and tapestries in the Cathedral designed by Edmund Blacket 1884.

The tour will conclude at Riversdale Homestead, where you will learn about garments worn by the Twynan family, including a recently restored, rare white dress dating to the 1850’s and other garments from rural life. Hear about the Australian Dress Register, costume restoration process and the care, storage and display of historic costumes. The Twynan ladies of Riversdale were talented artists and their hand made textiles will be on display.

Through the costumes, we will learn about the protocols and ceremony surrounding how, what, where and when garments were worn. Marvel at the skilful beading, lace, embroidery and cloth and wonder at how the 19th century women created and functioned in this attire.