William LARKIN<br/> <em>Mary, Lady Vere</em> (c. 1612-1615) <!-- (recto) --><br /> oil on canvas<br /> 183.0 x 102.0 cm<br /> National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne<br /> Purchased with funds donated by Leigh Clifford AO and Sue Clifford, Alan and Mavourneen Cowen, the Fox Family Foundation, donors to the Larkin Appeal and the proceeds of the National Gallery of Victoria Annual Dinner, 2014<br /> 2014.553<br /> <!--110975-->
Collection

Observations: Dress in Art and Design History

Gain access to world-leading experts from across the globe from the comfort of your home, as you learn about the history of dress through the ages and across cultures. Over three online sessions, look back through key periods of history – from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries – and discover how fashion shapes and reflects changes in society.

The NGV international online learning series Observations returns in October with an exploration of the influence and impact of dress across continents and centuries, through the internationally significant NGV Collection of historical painting, fashion and textiles.

Over three online sessions, learn from world-leading historians, authors, researchers and curators as they share how the act and art of dressing shaped – and was shaped by – key moments in history. Look back to see what women wore in sixteenth and seventeenth century England through a study of portrait paintings, discover how saris became a vessel for expression and a means of establishing individuality, and how Dandies influenced the makers of menswear and more.

This exclusive collection of recorded presentations will be transcribed into a printed publication, the third volume in the NGV Observations series. Pre-purchase a copy of the book, due to be released in March 2025, when booking a ticket to the program.

  • The Observations program is offered as online presentations released on 12, 19 & 26 October, which can be accessed in your own time.
  • Ticket holders will have access to recordings of the presentations for four weeks following the release dates.
  • NGV Members, educators and students enjoy discounted tickets to all Observations sessions.

Book into all three Observations sessions

Information for teachers

Observations offers an inspiring and creative professional learning opportunity for teachers of all levels and subjects. Observations meets the following AITSL standards:

  • Know the content and how to teach it (2.1)
  • Engage in professional learning (6.1)

A certificate of professional learning is available on request.

Session Details

Online
Observations: Dress in Art & Design History Session One: Politics of Dress: 1500–1900

Past event
Online
Observations: Dress in Art & Design History Session Two: Freedom of Dress: 1900s–1950s

Past event
Online
Observations: Dress in Art & Design History Session Three: Expression Through Dress: 20th Century

Past event
Publications

Extend your learning and refer back to key subjects with the Observations publications, containing illustrated works and edited transcripts from the online program. Available from the NGV design store.

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Observations: Dress in Art & Design History is generously supported by an Anonymous donor.