Rosalie Gallery, Mocatta Street Goombungee is currently exhibiting “Country Couture” an extraordinary exhibition of 50 years of frocks and accessories owned by Mrs Dulcie Mason of Oakey, formerly of Acland.
While milking cows and tending her chickens, Dulcie, a farmer’s wife dreamed of dancing. She sold over 1000 eggs per week in Toowoomba in order to afford the very best of fabrics and trims for her gowns. Dulcie now 88 years old designed one new dress a year and her friend the late Thelma Beutel an expert local seamstress sewed them.
It is a story of true friendship, heart warming memories and frocks fit for a country princess. Frocks, numerous handbags, hats, gloves, stories and memories are all on show at the gallery.
A crowd of over 150 people of all ages attended the official opening of “Country Couture” on Friday 18th November at 7.00 p.m by Prue Acton O.B.E. In her address, Ms Acton said “The choice of clothes we wear on important occasions mark these rites of passage forever in our hearts. I hear these stories everywhere I go – the first job, the first ball gown, 21st birthdays, weddings and christenings.”
“I also want to highlight, while I can, that they are part of a story where towns and enterprises die through lack of big picture thinking. The price of so called “progress” can just be too high,” said Ms Acton.
Special guests were Mrs. Dulcie Mason, Prue Acton O.B.E. and the Mason & Beutel families. A country style supper was served after the opening.
Rosalie Gallery opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday 10.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
The exhibition continues until 4th December.
Story and Photos by Jenny Gersekowski
