The Powerhouse Museum objects which inspired Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson for Sourcing the Muse
Fashion label: Easton Pearson

Baltic jacket early 1900s

This woman's sleeveless jacket was probably worn as a part of a regional dress and may derive from the Baltic area or eastern Europe. Completely handsewn, it is thickly padded for warmth.

From the inside you can see that it is quilted with broad stitches through the padding and lining.

Red-cotton brocade, trimmed with black velveteen, ricrac braid and beads, made in the early 1900s.
Purchased 1959. H6177

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Cockade fan c1890

Fans have a long history and have been made and used by a wide variety of different cultures. They also fulfil a myriad of functions from the obvious utilitarian purpose of cooling the body to items of ritual, rank, advertising and flirtation. This fan is made of spelt fibres, a type of wheat native to the Mediterranean and West Asia.

Probably made in Italy, about 1890. Gift of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney 1894. D3740

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Lavender fan c1900

Herbs such as lavender have long been used to make a range of sweet-scented decorative items for gifts and the home. This heart shaped fan constructed from woven reeds features a muslin panel painted with lavender sprigs. A lavender bag has been inserted between the muslin panel and reed leaf emitting the scent of lavender when fanned. Even today, a faint scent can still be detected.

Made in Australia, late 1800s to early 1900s.
Purchased 1985. 85/474

Interview with Easton Pearson