Used 1920s-1950s.

The Ardinis were a family of handbalancers and musicians who performed on the Australian vaudeville circuit between the 1920s and the 1950s.
Donated to the Sydney Opera House by Mrs Jean Ardini, 102/56 Ocean St Narrabeen, or 19 Lovett St Manly Vale.

Bra top, part of hand balancing costume, Ardini vaudeville performers, metal/cotton/synthetic, Australia, 1920s-1940s.

Bra top with a V-neck and thin shoulder straps. Made of heavy blue cotton, hand sewn all over with large silver sequins. Trimmed with synthetic light blue frill, edged with small silver sequins around the front neckline, continuing on a diagonal to the bottom of the top and to underarm area. Centre back opening fastening with a piece of blue elastic and two metal hooks and eyes. A narrow piece of white elastic is attached at both underams to fit across the back of the top. Inside bust area is padded and lined with blue cotton. Machine and hand sewn

Designed: Unknown; Australia

Made: 1920 - 1949


Used: Ardini family; Australia

Owned: Sydney Opera House; Sydney

98/19/6

340 mm