Straight from the Harts’ closet

HERITAGE Hill is set to display Dandenong’s past with its latest exhibition Hart and Hand.
Ten handmade dresses and outfits belonging to accomplished seamstress Mrs Dorothy Hart, her daughter and granddaughters will be showcased.
Mrs Hart along with her husband Dr Ian Hart designed and built Benga House.
Public program and exhibition coordinator Angela Costigan said the clothes would give the community an insight into the life and times of Dandenong during the 1940s to 1970s.
The exhibition, which will span two rooms of the house, includes sundresses, formal gowns, winter coats and a stunning gold silk party dress complete with bolero.
“These dresses have never been on display before and form part of the Heritage Hill collection, which includes original architectural drawings of Benga, Dr Hart’s medical books and Mrs Hart’s hats,” Ms Costigan said.
Ms Costigan said Mrs Hart made the original dresses and clothes.
“These clothes reflect the Hart’s social status within the local Dandenong community and Mrs Hart’s personality and skill as a dressmaker,” she said.
“They also provide a great insight into the fashions and trends of typical suburbia between the 1940s and 1970s.”
Hart and Hand will be held at Benga House, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae St, Dandenong from 13 January to 5 March.
Entry is by gold coin donation and the exhibition will be open Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and Sunday, 12pm to 4pm.