One of the things which makes Cavalcade unique is its emphasis on the history of items in its collection, some of them over two hundred years old. Not only does the provenance of a particular gown or accessory tell the story of its original owner, it also illustrates the social customs of its time.

Evelyn Peck, known as Eva, may not have worn a single rose in her hair like Lady Clare in Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem, but she "clad herself in a russet gown" or coat which she wore over the elegant dress (pictured) to a Mayoral ball in Melbourne in the 1890's.

Russet gowns and cloaks were then considered romantic and very fashionable. This soft reddish-brown crushed velvet coat features a mandarin collar and seed buttons fasten the garment down the centre front. The two-piece salmon ball-gown is embroidered with cream roses and around the hem cream pleats are inserted, edged with brown bobble cording. At the back of the coat, inverted pleats fall gracefully from the waist to accommodate the bustle beneath.

This was the era of the bustle, an undergarment usually made of horsehair or a wire frame, worn to create fullness at the lower back. Bustles tended to make it difficult for the wearer to sit down, which may have contributed to the traditional pose in Victorian photographs of the gentleman seated while his lady stands.

Eva was the daughter of Hugh and Emma Peck, who had arrived in Australia in 1852 aboard the S.S. Great Britain, the first steam-assisted sailing ship to come to Australia. Born in 1857, Eva grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Balaclava and had a privileged upbringing.

She was a talented young lady — an accomplished artist, seamstress, writer, musician and gardener. On Australia Day 1887, she married Louis Eugene Ransom, a grazier, at All Saints Anglican Church in St Kilda. The couple lived for some years on the family property, Throckenholt, at Gisborne in country Victoria, where their two children, Dorothy and Dudley, were born. They later moved to Millbrook, their property in northern Tasmania, where they entertained lavishly.

As well as possessing ladylike qualities, Eva also had the stamina required to endure the heartbreak caused by the loss of sheep and crops due to droughts and floods.

Many of Eva's elegant gowns now in Cavalcade's collection and family photographs reflect both the excitement and hardships of her life over a century ago.

Jill Lyons and Catherine Bartho are from Cavalcade of history and fashion. They alternately write articles for the Sydney Observer.

For further information, phone 9417 0061, visit the group's website www.thecavalcade.org or write to PO Box 100, Forestville NSW 2087