Material relating to sun tanning
Date1930s
Object numberANMS0450
NameArchive series
MediumPaper
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Dale O'Sullivan
DescriptionThis archive series numbered [001] - [022] consists of material collected by designer Peter O'Sullivan relating to sun tanning. It includes 10 magazine articles on subjects such as sun-tonics, gradual sun tanning, soothing sunburn, 'olive tan' as the new complexion, the effects of sunshine and how to maintain mid-winter complexions. They feature photographs of Marian Marsh, Florence Rice, Geneva Mitchell, Ida Lupino, Helen Simpson, Helen Wood and Joan Crawford.
It also includes 12 newspaper clippings regarding the effects of water temperature, sunbathing risks to TB, medical advice on bathing, ways to avoid sunburn, sunbathing and 'mental stagnation', techniques of sunbathing and lotion.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.
c 1936
1890s-1900s
