This photograph is a part of the Bruno Benini photography archive acquired by the Museum with the assistance of the Commonwealth Government's National Cultural Heritage Account. It was taken by Bruno Benini in 1957 in the grounds of the University of Melbourne.

Model Patricia Tuckwell, known at this time as Bambi Shmith, wears a Hall Ludlow designed black and white 'Magpie' tweed tunic with black bows adorning the sides. Described as Australia's 'first true couturier', Ludlow was known for his fine stitching, high technical skill and unique designs, despite having no formal training.

Prior to her successful career as a model, Patricia Tuckwell was a violinist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Here she was given the moniker Bambi and reportedly attracted concert-goers wanting to see her great beauty. On 7 July 1948 Tuckwell married fashion photographer Athol Shmith and in 1951 founded the Mannequin's Association of Victoria along with other prominent models of the time. After the end of her marriage to Shmith in 1957, Tuckwell moved to England and in 1967 amidst scandal, married George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood, becoming Countess of Harewood.

Alysha Buss, Curatorial Intern 2009

Print created for 'Bruno Benini: fashion images 1956-1976' exhibition, RMIT Gallery, Melbourne, Friday 12 February - Saturday 13 March 1999.

Photographic print, black and white, model Bambi Shmith, client Hall Ludlow, location Melbourne University, photograph by Bruno Benini, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1957

[Tweed tunic/skirt with black velvet bows down the side]

Photographer: Benini, Bruno; Melbourne, Victoria; 1957

User: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; 1999

2009/43/1-1/9

1957