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Colour photograph of a woman modelling Black Lance swimwear
Colour photograph of a woman modelling Black Lance swimwear

Colour photograph of a woman modelling Black Lance swimwear

Date1930s
Object numberANMS0438[011]
NamePhotograph
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Dale O'Sullivan
DescriptionThis archive series numbered [001] - [013] consists of three colour and ten black-and-white photographs of women modelling swimwear by Melbourne swimwear designer Peter O'Sullivan. The models wear one-piece swimsuits in various colours and designs, many featuring the exposed back of the 1930s. Some feature halter necks, v-shaped and y-shaped straps, skirts bottoms and belts. Printed across the base of this picture is text reading: 'Seagull / by Botany / back 32'.HistoryPeter O'Sullivan became the first Australian to successfully design and manufacturer swimwear for export to the United States by creating two innovations. He is purported to have designed the square belt buckle, a feature popularly known as the ‘Superman Buckle’ and throughout the 1930s submitted patents for innovative designs both within Australian as well as England and America. These applications include designs for the small skirt across the front of both men's and women's swimsuits known as the 'modesty panel' and an inbuilt support system for men’s bathers. O'Sullivan's 'modesty panel' became a feature of Australian and international swimwear fashions right up until the 1970s. His Black Lance swimwear range in the 1930s featured low cut backs, fashionable colours and decorative flourishes. Fashion trends aside O’Sullivan was also interested in providing a better fit and comfort for Australians as the popularity of water sports increased. The O’Sullivan collection includes measurements and notes for swimwear designs for local Surf Life Saving clubs as well as pamphlets on movement and exercise. The O’Sullivan collection as a whole provides a rare example of the design process of Australian produced swimwear from start to finish, from design to distribution. O’Sullivan’s selection of clippings, his sketches and the finished products track an influence of global styles that were siphoned through an Australian market to produce distinctly Australian products. SignificanceThis is a rare archival collection relating to Melbourne based swimwear designer Peter O'Sullivan. The collection documents all aspects of knitted swimwear production from the development of designs, to the choice of models, manufacture and distribution of swimwear. The collection also includes pamphlets from international designers, illustrating the European and American influences on O'Sullivan's own designs, as well as his innovation of the modesty-skirt.