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Clippings regarding famous film actresses, musicians and sportswomen

Date1930s

Object numberANMS0460

NameArchive series

MediumPaper

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Dale O'Sullivan

Terms

DescriptionThis archive series numbered [001] - [120] consists of newspaper and magazine clippings regarding famous film actresses, musicians and sportswomen collected by designer Peter O'Sullivan. Many of the women are modelling swim and leisure wear, such as Rosemary Andree, Rochelle Hudson, Yehudi Menuhin, Shirley Ann Richards, Gertrude Nieson, Ann Sheridan, Judith Allen, Olivia de Havilland, Carol Hughes, Olivia de Havilland, Anita Louise, Dorothy Lamour, Loretta Young, Rosalind Marquis, Lee Dixon, Jinx Falkenburg, Irene Colman, Sally Eilers and Joan Crawford.HistoryPeter O'Sullivan became the first Australian to successfully design and manufacturer swimwear for export to the United States by creating two innovations. He won the world patent for the square belt buckle, known as the 'Superman' buckle, after it was incorporated into Superman's costume and he developed the small skirt across the front of both men's and women's swimsuits known as the 'modesty panel'. 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.SignificanceThis is a rare archival collection with excellent display potential 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 illustrates the European and American influences on O'Sullivan's designs, as well as his innovations of the modesty-skirt and 'Superman' buckle.