Photo Restoration & Dating - Helen Douglas Ballaarat Victoria Australia

[rbell35]

Can someone please restore & date the attached photo? It was taken in Ballaarat, Victoria, Australia during the 1800s. Photographer was Fisher & Johnson. Thanks cheers, Rob

[jim1]

A bit later than 1800's. Edwardian & probably 1900-05.

[Trishanne]

One from me
Pat

[Gadget]

Hi

One from me.

Gadget

[russell12]

Hmmm looks to me like she is wearing an Edwardian opera coat 



Here is an Edwardian opera coat - I'd date this particular example to be around 1907-1909. Although Helen is wearing an earlier version - can you see the similarities?

- The gathering and overall bagginess in the sleeves which were typically crescent shaped
- The boxy and untailored fit

By the Edwardian era the term 'Opera coat' was used quite loosely and is appropriate for describing a coat made with a similar slhouette (you can tell from her simple updo that she isn't going anywhere too special). Opera coats can range from very simple (as in this case) to House of Worth works of art.

Interestingly I can also see she is wearing a split v collar - Which makes the ensemble look very official - an Oxford cap wouldn't be out of place here! Usually the mens collars were made out of either thick cardboard or a heavily starched cotton - which seems to be the case here - you can see it looks quite thick.



The collar on the right is for men. Edwardian women usually took up wearing mens garments to make a political statement (think suffragettes), though I can't guarantee that she isn't wearing the collar to denote a certain job position (esp. coupled with the "no-nonsense" hairstyle)?

Anyhow I'd date this to c. 1901-1906 - without the hat I can't be too specific.

Hope this helps.

[rbell35]

Thanks Russell..most impressive. Rob

[Wiggy]

Nice work Pat and Gadget.   

Nice that you and Jim agree on the dating too Russell - he's usually on the mark. 

Wiggy

[Treetotal]

Nice work Pat and Gadget.   

Nice that you and Jim agree on the dating too Russell - he's usually on the mark. 

Wiggy

I agree with you Wiggy...shame the restores have been missed 
Carol

[Gadget]

Nice work Pat and Gadget.   

Nice that you and Jim agree on the dating too Russell - he's usually on the mark. 

Wiggy

I agree with you Wiggy...shame the restores have been missed 
Carol

Well, Carol, you and Wiggy have noticed so thank you both. As you're both really good restorers (and know what's what) , I value your opinions