Recently students from St Joseph’s and Sorrento Primary Schools were invited by the Nepean Historical Society to participate in a creative project for the Sorrento Arts Festival.

Organised by the Sorrento Portsea Chamber of Commerce, the Festival is held over the weekend of 5 – 7 October.
Years five and six students had the opportunity to work with artist, Jane Byrne, in transforming old mannequins using a range of historic and recycled materials.

A 1934 Commemorative issue of the Herald set the themes for the garments. Spring Racing, Australian Forces Servicemen, Travel, Theatre and Music. Students were also inspired by the clothes in the museum’s extensive collection. Bodices, three quarter length sleeves, embellished fabrics and layers of lace were an inspiration for their creations. Music manuscripts, old magazines, playing cards, monopoly money, dress makers’ patterns and tissue papers were collaged to create layers of fabric and embellished designs.

The mannequins will be on display in the Sorrento Museum during and after the Arts Festival and later in selected venues in Sorrento. The Sorrento Portsea Chamber of Commerce’s financial support of the project is acknowledged with thanks.

Jane Byrne
Art Consultant
St Joseph’s and Sorrento Primary Schools
Suitable for level 4