The Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles Inc East

The Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles Inc,  is conveniently located in the Maitland Gaol precinct, East Maitland.  The museum aims to collect, conserve, document and display items of clothing, textiles and related items both domestic and commercial, from the nineteenth century to the present day.  The museum aims to display and interpret the articles in their historical context. Items in the collection cover men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, both special and everyday garments; articles and accessories associated with clothing, such as handbags; items from other countries, brought home and worn by Australians. Domestic textiles are also represented such as the signature supper cloth.  Textiles are historically associated with the Hunter Region. The Agincourt and the Fairlie arrived at Morpeth docks in late 1848 with the Lacemakers of Calais. Maitland was during the 19th and 20th centuries a centre of textile manufacturing for such labels as King Gee and Courtaulds.  The museum collection includes unusual and exquisite items of clothing and handwork, everyday clothing reflecting fashion and world events, right through to “mend and make do items” illustrating the frugality, ingenuity and imagination of folk during times of deprivation, such as the Great Depression, World War I and World War II.  Visitors are invited to explore our collection, exhibitions and local social history.