Ilona Nelson with some of her dolls dresses. 76180 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Charlene Gatt
WHEN Ilona Nelson’s mother was a child she was given a shoebox full of handmade dolls dresses each Christmas.
Two family friends made the dresses to measure from material off-cuts of clothes they had made for themselves.
This tradition of handmade dresses was reignited once Ms Nelson and her sister had their own dolls.
Years later, the Yarraville photographer rediscovered the dolls dresses when she was sorting out old toys.
Ms Nelson told Star when she found the dresses she had an urgent need to document them to ensure their history was not lost and forgotten.
She also wanted to capture past memories for future generations.
The dresses were photographed as they were found – complete with wrinkles, stains, traces of writing – and will be on display next month for Ms Nelson’s latest exhibition, A Shoebox full of Dresses.
The exhibition features 26 photographs printed onto thin stone and framed with reclaimed timber.
The stone gives a slightly different finish for each individual piece meaning that all dresses are unique and the reclaimed timber bears the marks of history, as do the dresses.
“It’s had such a big response,” Ms Nelson said.
“I guess the images are quite accessible and everyone can relate and think about their own childhood and the kinds of role plays they did.
“The photographic documentation is unobtrusive yet shows detail, allowing the dresses to tell you their stories.”
A full colour book has been created from the photographs and the exhibition opening will double as a book launch.
A Shoebox full of Dresses will go on display at the Brunswick St Gallery from 4 February to 16 February.
