Adelaide Festival Centre Performing Arts Collection is home to over 1,300 significant costumes, spanning more than a century, from the early 1900s to 2022.
These costumes have graced the stages of Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse, Her Majesty’s Theatre, and beyond. Each piece has been carefully chosen for its unique connection to iconic productions, internationally acclaimed designers, or renowned performers. Yet, until recently, few have been professionally photographed or fully documented.
To address this, Adelaide Festival Centre’s Performing Arts Collection team have embarked on a major project to survey and digitise key pieces from the drama costume collection. With support from Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation, more than 160 costumes and accessories have been meticulously reviewed.
The project has provided a crucial opportunity to assess the condition of each costume. Supportive hangers, protective garment bags and upgraded the storage containers have been purchased to ensure the long-term preservation of complex and delicate items, such as the striking King Golgrutha lobster dress.
Extensive research also accompanied the survey. Drawing from both internal and external archives, new details about the costumes, the productions they appeared in, and the creatives who brought them to life – actors, designers, and directors – were added to the collection management database. Related materials, including costume designs and archival papers, were also digitised as part of this effort.
Image: Photograph by Annie Egerton
Photography was a central focus of the project. Over three days, local photographer Sam Roberts professionally photographed more than 50 standout items, now featured on the new Performing Arts Collection website.
Thanks to our donors and the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation, the Performing Arts Collection’s drama costumes are better preserved and more accessible than ever. From improved storage to detailed cataloguing and striking professional photographs, these efforts ensure that the community can enjoy and connect with these special costumes, whether online or through upcoming exhibitions.
These costumes offer a unique glimpse into the evolution of Australian theatre and the creative vision of renowned designers. Explore the newly digitised collection today!
Curators’ Collective
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