Queensland Museum uncovers hidden history of women

The hidden history of women is being exposed in a unique exhibit by the Queensland Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, with tickets going on sale this week.

Arts Minister Ian Walker said Undressed: 350 years of Underwear in Fashion, imported from London, was proof that the state’s museums were more than old bones and rocks, and delivered on the Government’s election promise of arts for all Queenslanders.

“We’re expecting a huge turnout for this exhibit, and we’re giving Queenslanders from all over the state the chance to plan their trip,” Mr Walker said.

“It’s part of our strong plan for a brighter future in the arts by putting on the shows that Queenslanders want to see.”

“From the iron-clad corsets of the 16^th Century, which tightly constrained women, to the avant-garde freedom of Vivienne Westwood, this collection shows the important cultural journey of women through the ages.

“This exhibit shows the arts are a broad church, and will especially appeal to women and girls in a fresh take of women’s path from servitude to the relative freedom of today.

“Undressed: 350 years of Underwear in Fashion features more than 80 highlights from the Victoria and Albert Museum’s extensive collection and this is the first time some items have been on display.”

In another first, Mr Walker said the Queensland Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art were joining to offer a limited number of special joint fashion exhibition tickets at a reduced-price for Undressed: 350 years of Underwear in Fashion and Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion.

“This Cultural Precinct partnership offers fashion and culture aficionados an opportunity to enjoy both exhibitions and save more than 25 percent on individual ticket prices,” Mr Walker said.

Queensland Museum Network CEO Professor Suzanne Miller said Undressed: 350 years of Underwear in Fashion focused on a somewhat delicate topic, but the underwear we chose could tell us a lot about who we were as individuals and as a society.

“It is a privilege to partner with the V&A to present this beautiful exhibition,” Ms Miller said.

Undressed: 350 years of Underwear in Fashion is on at the Queensland Museum South Bank, 12 November-1 February 2015. Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion is on at QAGOMA, 1 November-15 February 2015. For tickets: www.qtix.com.au

[ENDS] 11 June 2014

Media contact: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332