Drysdale collection on display at Daly House

Details

Published on Friday, July 17, 2015

Submitted Article

Daly House Museum’s new exhibit Smocks, Frocks and Covers opened to the public on June 20.  The Museum is delighted to showcase 82 aprons personally collected by Helen Drysdale, director of the Beautiful Plains Museum in Neepawa. “I’ve always loved aprons,” explains Drysdale. “I began collecting aprons when I discovered an unfinished flour sack in my late Mother-in-law’s belongings and it is an honour to share them with the public.”

Through the designs and styles of the aprons on display, the exhibit questions society’s view that women’s handiwork is a craft rather than an art form. Each of the aprons on display were made by individuals rather than mass produced on an assembly line. They reflect a moment in the life of their creator as the decorations, colors, and patterns were chosen by the individuals who would wear the aprons.

“When viewed as a work of art, there is a higher appreciation for the time and craft involved,” commented Franchesca Hebert-Spence, Daly House Museum exhibition intern. “And while the artists of these beautiful creations are maybe unknown, the flair and skill required to craft these pieces is evident.”

“The aprons showcased in this exhibit are not just an item that our Grandmothers or Mother’s may have made or worn but a reflection of the changing attitudes of society and the role of feminism towards the role of women,” stated Museum curator Eileen Trott. 

Children will be able to enjoy the exhibit as much as the adults through activities in a discovery kit related to the exhibit. The discovery kit will be available at the front desk for families visiting the Museum over the summer.  Smocks, Frocks and Covers runs until August 15. 

Daly House Museum is the original home of Thomas Mayne Daly, the first mayor of Brandon. The house contains four floors of artifacts and archival materials representative of Brandon’s early history and the Victorian era. 

For further information please contact Daly House Museum at (204)-727-1722, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or dalyhousemuseum.ca