Kirstin Nicholson, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper
Ros Dwyer likes to think of herself as a social historian. She has been collecting clothes, accessories, memorabilia and ephemera for longer than she realises – and it’s all on display for you to soak in the memories alongside Ros.
The Cohuna Art and Craft Gallery has opened its latest exhibition, ‘One Woman’s Collection’ featuring a portion of Ros’s collection. The exhibition was officially launched on Thursday, October 6 with a well-attended wine and cheese evening.
Ros was born in Cohuna and raised on a dairy farm at Horfield by her parents, Ron and Shirley Calder. Following completion of her schooling, she moved to Melbourne in 1967 to work and returned with husband, Cliff, in 1973. They opened the sports store and later ran their own dairy farm.
Ros said, “My collection began by accident, it is not a hobby. I just never threw out some special occasion clothes along the way. Then, at some stage, it seemed that having kept the items for so long, it was a shame to dispose of them.”
Presentation of the collection would equal any high-end exhibition. Items of clothing are displayed alongside accessories worn at the time, and some are accompanied with photos of Ros wearing the entire outfit. Ros has had a trip down memory lane, evident with the description that accompanies each item.
L-R: A tapestry coat; dressing gown; bridesmaid’s dress.
Photos: The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper
From Ros’s christening gown made from her mother’s wedding dress train to school uniforms and workbooks, a matchbox collection, sporting goods and day wear, there is something for everyone to admire.
The collection is certainly engaging and on opening night, generated much discussion as memories of times gone by were brought to the surface and shared with whoever happened to be standing nearby. The exhibition is open until November 26 and is well worth a visit.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 13 October 2022.
