Aprons were an essential item of protective dress for women doing housework in the 1940s. They were functional garments, protecting delicate clothing during cooking and washing up. Women's magazines frequently pictured housewives wearing such aprons in advertisements for domestic appliances. For everyday use, aprons would normally have been plainer than this one, which was worn by the donor's mother only when guests were expected, being regarded as too pretty for everyday wear. This apron exemplifies the products of Adelaide apron-manufacturing firm Taniwha. Aprons went out of fashion after the 1950s, partly due to the availability of washing machines and cheaper clothing.

Peter Cox
Curator
June, 2010

The apron was made by Taniwha Aprons in Adelaide, South Australia.

Worn by donor's grandmother Audrey Crago (nee Fay), from the early 1940s. Audrey was a housewife who did not engage in other work. She employed a maid for some years and made other aprons for the maid to wear, along with a cap and bib front. However Audrey used this coloured apron herself. Such pretty aprons were often used when guests were expected and usually removed and replaced by ordinary aprons for everyday wear.

Apron, blue and white, cotton, made by Taniwha Aprons, Adelaide, South Australia, used by Audrey Crago, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1940-1942.

Handmade cotton apron, with pocket and decorative elements, tying at the waist, Dark blue and white floral polished cotton apron, gathered to a waist band to which the ties are attached. Apron edged with mauve bias binding, and four panels formed with bias binding, each panel forming a scallop at the hem. A single pocket, edged with binding, on the side.

Some yellow staining on front of apron.

Made: Taniwha Aprons; Adelaide, South Australia; 1950 - 1960

Used: Cargo, Audrey; Sydney, New South Wales; 1940 - 1942

Inside waistband, printed fabric label 'Taniwha / all cotton', also printed tag 'HL 424"

2010/50/3

1950 - 1960

480 mm

740 mm