This mirror has significance as an example of the type of equipment and furnishings used in the men's hairdressing section of a major Sydney department store. In 1885 Grace Brothers began trading as a small drapery store at 203 George St Sydney. Less than two years later the store moved to 5-7 Broadway, and adjoining premises were gradually acquired. The firm's lavishly illustrated publication 'Model Trader' was sent to all customers. By 1910 Grace Brothers had 90 departments and 1667 employees. It continued to expand and build on the Broadway site and by the start of the 1920s the store had grown to cover 25 acres. By 1923 there were 250 departments and nearly 3000 employees.

This mirror is thought to date from the boom period of the late 1920s, just before the Great Depression, which hit Grace Brothers severely. The ageing Broadway store was modernized during the 1930s. In 1938 a new ladies' hair and beauty salon opened, boasting 'continental beauty experts' and everything 'exclusive and up-to-date', with 'the latest features in equipment and fittings'. From this time the Broadway store became isolated from customers as Sydney's retail centre shifted downtown. After World War II Grace Brothers expanded into suburban shopping malls (such as Roselands) and took over Farmer's store (between George, Pitt and Market St) in the mid-1970s.

Used at Grace Brothers men's barber shop, Broadway, Sydney, from 1928 (according to what is written on the back of the mirror).

Mirror, glass/plaster/metal/paper/plastic, used at Grace Bros store in Sydney, New South Wales, [made in Australia], c.1928

Mirror with frame made of plaster painted gold. Although basically square, the frame is shaped in a curved, wave pattern, rather than straight lines. It is decorated in a raised pattern inside the perimeter. Metal hook at top for hanging on a wall. Back is covered with brown paper with white plastic tape around the back near the perimeter. Written in felt pen on the back is the text: 'Archives. 1928. Men's barber shop'.

Made: 1923 - 1933

2005/51/1

1923 - 1933

840 mm

815 mm

30 mm