A wish was brought to life at this year’s Marburg Black Snake Creek Festival when the late Dulcie Mason’s exquisite collection of ballgowns was displayed by the Australian Cultural Library.
The collection which was admired by many was popular on the day and $300 was gifted in donations for the Marburg and District Residents Association.
The collection owned by the late Dulcie Mason touched many families with the glitz, the glamour and the story of her life as a lady who loved to dress for the dance floor and it was always her wish to share this with others.
Treasurer and Secretary of the Australian Cultural Library Vanessa Glen said that it was a privilege to work with the Marburg Anglican Church and the Black Snake Creek Festival volunteers to raise funds for the Association’s Green Shed amenities.
“Adding our exhibition to the festival encouraged people to dig a bit deeper for the cause,” she said.
“As community organisations, it’s really important that we support each other in tangible ways and for morale.
“Even though we are a cultural library that usually does not hold textiles, we made the decision to accept the donation of the Mason-Beutel gown collection when it was at risk as a collection.
“It is such a unique and beautiful set, which allows us to raise funds for other causes, this is consistent with Dulcie Mason’s aspiration for her dresses.”
The library has had several not-for-profit organisations around the State request an exhibition of the collection.
“We trialled a new hanging system for the gowns at Marburg so now we have a better idea on the feasibility of touring this exhibition to other places,” she said.
“A few people are interested in setting up a new committee of our volunteers to help manage this collection so they will be involved in future exhibitions and the more specialised conservation of these fabrics.
“We are very grateful to the volunteers who set up and took down the exhibit, those who staffed the event on the day, and the Marburg Anglican Church for hosting the show.”
