Made by David Jones, Sydney

This evening coat is thought to have been worn by the donor's sister, Rosa Angela Kirkcaldie. Rosa served as an army nurse in World War I, after which she worked at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney, Canonbury Hospital and then in 1924 as matron of the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown.

In 1935 Rosa became a member of the Order of the British Empire and the new nurses accommodation built at Royal Alexandra Hospital in 1941 was later named Kirkcaldie House in her honour. She resigned her matronship in 1945.

Her portrait, painted by the Australian artist Norman Carter reputedly at the time of her retirement, shows her wearing the coat. The portrait was originally hung in Kirkcaldie House and is now located at Westmead Children's Hospital, Sydney.

Evening coat, velvet / crepe rayon, made by David Jones Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, probably worn by Rosa A. Kirkcaldie, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, c 1936

Evening coat of mulberry coloured velvet with long dolman sleeves and slightly padded shoulders. Rouched velvet stand up collar is secured by passing through another rouched band. Coat has ankle length gored skirt falling from waist. Coat is fully lined with crepe rayon in similar shade of mulberry, with an internal tie at waist. Fastens down centre front with two self covered buttons, one at neckline, one at waist.

Made: David Jones Limited; Sydney, New South Wales; 1931 - 1941

Used: Kirkcaldie, Rosa Angela; ; 1931 - 1941

David Jones cloth label inside back neck

A6275

1931 - 1941