Vogue Bazaar @ GRAG

Griffith Regional Art Gallery will open its 2019 exhibition program with a stunning couture collaboration with Pioneer Park Museum on Thursday, 17 January 2019. Vogue Bazaar takes its name from ‘La Vogue’ - the showcase boutique run by legendary Griffith designer Mrs Myrtle Crockford during the 1930s – 1960s, and ‘Bazaar’- the flagship boutique of legendary duo Ross Weymouth and John Claringbold in Melbourne.

The exhibition is an exciting collaboration between Griffith Regional Art Gallery and Pioneer Park Museum, to celebrate the collection of fine couture, gowns and eveningwear by Griffith designers, held in the two institutions. The exhibition will feature the Gallery’s Couture Collection and the Museums’ collection of gowns by Myrtle Crockford.

Griffith Regional Gallery Coordinator Ray Wholohan said: “Griffith Regional Art Gallery is rightly renowned for its Couture Collection that represents the life’s work of acclaimed local fashion designers Ross Weymouth and John Claringbold.

“The designers had a long and significant impact on the development of Australia fashion, and we are lucky to have a number of their award winning gowns in our Collection,” Mr Wholohan said.

“It is always great to have an opportunity to present our collections to the public and we are looking forward to working with Pioneer Park in developing an exhibition that promotes awareness of multiple aspects of Council’s various textile collections.” 

Curator of Pioneer Park Museum Bonnie Owen, said: "Griffith Pioneer Park Museum is proud to hold an amazing collection of garments made by pioneering businesswoman and seamstress, Myrtle Crockford (nee Worfolk). Vogue Bazaar will feature items made at Crockford’s dressmaker’s shop “La Vogue” from the 1930s – 1960s, worn by Griffith locals. The garments will showcase Crockford’s signature designs and her incredible craftsmanship that made her a significant figure of fashion and business in Griffith.”

Griffith Regional Arts and Museum Manager Raina Savage said, “We are very excited to open our Gallery and Museum exhibition programs for 2019 by focusing on the creative achievement of local designers and artists.”

“This exhibition was germinated by the Gallery and Museum coming under the same directorate of Council which allows curatorial staff to collaborate together to create innovative and inspirational exhibitions that showcase the quality of our local collections. We look forward to presenting more creative collaborations and exhibition projects as a regular feature of our curatorial programs,” she said.

 The exhibition will run from Thursday 17 January to Sunday 10 February 2019.

To give visitors a greater insight into the collections and their designers, Griffith Regional Art Gallery will host a curators’ talk as its first McWilliam’s Sundowner on Thursday 31 January at 6pm. All are welcome to join the curators and family of John, Myrtle and Ross to discuss the significance of both collections.