Jørn Utzon's architectural masterpiece the Sydney Opera House was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 on 20 October 1973 with a live telecast to some 750 000 local and over 300 million television viewers around the world. People crowded the foreshores of the Opera House and the harbour was crammed with ships, sailboats and tugboats spurting water fountains. The day and evening events were attended by Australia's social and political elite including Lady Packer and her husband Sir Frank Packer, along with a host of international celebrities, royalty and political dignitaries.

It was a key social event and provided an opportunity for dressing up in spectacular and lavish evening wear, with many attendees purchasing new garments by local and international designers for the occasion. The photographic print shows the evening coat worn by Lady Florence Packer to the opening, the silk moire full length evening coat with its spectacular beaded collar and cuffs exemplifies the social importance of this historically significant event as well as the elegant understated style of Lady Packer.

The Museum has an extensive collection related to the Sydney Opera House, with the acquisition of the photograph complementing the collection.

The photographer is unknown but on the reverse of the photograph is a John Fairfax & Sons Ltd stamp.

The photograph depicts Lady Florence Packer wearing a Cassano full length evening coat. Lady Florence Packer (b. Paris 1915) wore the silk moire evening coat when she attended the opening of the Sydney Opera House with her husband Sir Frank Packer in 1973. The coat was worn over a white evening dress with full length white gloves. The diamond tiara worn by Lady Packer belonged to Sir Frank Packer's mother.

Photographic print, black and white, Sir Frank and Lady Packer at the opening of the Sydney Opera House, photographer unknown, printed by John Fairfax & Sons Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1973

Photograph, black and white in portrait format depicting Lady Packer and Sir Frank Packer ascending the steps of the Sydney Opera House. Lady Packer is wearing the Casano full length evening coat and Sir Frank Packer is wearing full evening dress. Photograph marked.

Printed: John Fairfax & Sons Ltd; Sydney, New South Wales; 1973

Handwritten on reverse of photograph, in blue ink pen 'Sir Frank and Lady Packer / at opening of Opera / House Sydney.'

Stamped on the back of photograph in purple ink, within border '(illeg.) (within parallel lines) / John Fairfax / & Sons Ltd. / Feature Services / BOX506, G.P.O. SYDNEY. 2001 / Phone 20944'

2007/6/2

1973

250 mm

200 mm