Photography Powerhouse Museum © all rights reserved
Ever since the Powerhouse Museum opened in 1988, curator, Lindie Ward and textile conservator, Suzanne Chee have been making simple paper wigs for the museum’s mannequins.
Photography Powerhouse Museum © all rights reserved
The wigs they have created are mimimal and they enhance rather than detract from the dress on display. Yet, with a few strips of carefully cut and placed paper, they have been able to suggest what hairstyle was worn in the period when the dress was in fashion. The strips of paper are attached to the mannequin’s head with archival double-sided tape. It is a very effective way of creating the correct era for a dress.
Photography Powerhouse Museum © all rights reserved
Recently, Suzanne Chee gave a workshop to the Encore Historical Costume group in St Marys. The dozen participants found it very interesting. We will soon write an information sheet with photos demonstrating how to do this technique.
