Women's Bondi Ladies Swimming Club Racerback swimsuit
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Datec 1946
Object number00015632
NameSwimsuit
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 675 x 425 mm, 0.1 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Jean Cummins
DescriptionThis Racerback swimsuit has been altered so that it could be worn by Jean Cummins, a member of the Bondi Ladies Swimming Club. Two cotton cords have been sewn to the sides of the 'size small' swimsuit which tie up at the back, keeping the front of the swimsuit firmly in place during competitive swimming races. Made by Speedo in the 1940s, the blue cotton men's competition swimsuit has a half skirt for modesty decorated with the Speedo logo. A cloth badge with the white winged logo of the Bondi Ladies Swimming Club has been hand sewn to the front of the swimming costume.HistoryThe Bondi Ladies Amateur Swimming Club, affiliated with the New South Wales Swimming Association, was formed in 1907 to permit women to compete against one another in competitions held at the Bondi Baths in Sydney, New South Wales.
In 1937 the Bondi Ladies Amateur Swimming Club had 300 members, making it the largest women's swimming club in New South Wales and perhaps in Australia. The Club focused on teaching swimming and improving the standard of swimming.
SignificanceAs a young teenager in the 1940s, Jean Cummings wore this modified man's swimsuit for swimming with Bondi Ladies Swimming Club in the beachside pool at Bondi Beach. Although the New South Wales Swimming Association had endorsed Speedo's manufacture of women's competition swimsuits, they were not widely available during the first half of the 20th century.
