Jenny Kee collection of clothing, textiles, artwork and archive, Australia/England/Japan/Africa/USA 1967-1995

Jenny Kee (born Sydney 1947) is one of Australia's most important designers, best known for designing and retailing a unique range of colourful clothing and knitwear. One major theme links all aspects of this collection, Jenny Kee's love of Australia's unique natural environment. Her garments are a canvas for her artwork featuring images of native flora and fauna, the opal gem stone and urban icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

The Jenny Kee collection and archive was acquired by the museum in 1998 and 1999. They document the evolution of her clothing and textile designs, the creative process behind her designs, the development and management of her retail outlets Flamingo Park and Jenny Kee, the significant role she played in environmental activism in Australia and her public profile as a celebrity artist with-in the advertising industry.

The collection and archive document her life and work over twenty years and includes clothing and textiles by Jenny Kee as well as Kee's business partner Linda Jackson (b. 1950), original artwork for many of Kee's designs, business records, newspaper and magazine clippings, videos of parades, parade invitations, props and programmes, shop mannequins, shop signs, scrapbooks and posters.

The collection and archive not only records Jenny Kee's life and work, but also can be read as a document that charts important cultural changes in Australia. Kee was born in Bondi, to a Cantonese businessman father and Italian/British mother. An early newspaper clipping shows her modelling as the face of Canadian Airlines. In the 1960s, she, like many other young Australians, spent several years enjoying the creative atmosphere of 'Swinging London'. She returned to Australia in the early 1970s and attracted by the encouraging cultural climate of the new Whitlam led Labor government, decided to stay. Kee then opened her Flamingo Park' 'frock salon' in the Strand Arcade in Sydney selling her own designs as well as the work of other innovative designers like Linda Jackson, Peter Tully (1947-1992) and David McDiarmid (1952-1995). Many of the pieces sold through the shop are included in the collection as well as signage, programmes and videos of the lively parades she and Linda Jackson produced.

The collection preserves a unique record of this important designer's personal and professional career from the 1960s through to 1995.

Jenny Kee. The Bicentennial Authority commissioned Jenny Kee to design two fabrics, one for the touring Bicentennial show and one for officials to wear on Bicentennnial day (this example). She was also asked to design a scarf. Jenny took the Bicentennial flag idea and then cut and tore it, making it into an opal. The flag was by Ken Cato with the text 'Australia 1788 - 1988'. Jenny thought the flag was very conservative so she played around with the image to liven it up.

This jacket was made by Avoca Australian Sportswear in Australia.

This jacket was made in 1988.

This design was used in clothing worn by officials on Bicentennial Australia day.

Jacket, printed cotton, designed by Jenny Kee for The Bicentennial Authority/ made by Australian Sportswear, Australia, 1988.

Loose fitting jacket made of printed cotton. The jacket has a V-neck with flat collar and peaked lapels, long straight sleeves and two large patch pockets at left and right front at hip level. There is false belt sewn across the back waist and a vent at centre back hem. The centre front opening fastens with four white plastic buttons. The multicoloured print features abstract maps of Australia and torn segments on a black ground. The jacket is machine sewn and unlined.

Designed: Kee, Jenny; Australia

Made: Avoca Australian Sportswear; Australia; 1988


Used: Australian Bicentennial Authority; Australia

Two white fabric labels inside centre back neck 'AVOCA/Australian Sportswear', 'M/95-100cm'.

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