Portable vanity unit used by Nellie Melba, c.1895

1989.077.001_MM_132641.800x800.jpg
1989.077.001_MM_132642.800x800.jpg

Dublin Core

Title

Portable vanity unit used by Nellie Melba, c.1895

Description

This burr walnut vanity unit accompanied Melba to various theatres for personal use in her dressing room. It was given to her coachman/driver, William Hayes, when she left for an extended stay abroad. Hayes was married to Melba’s maid, who would fill the metal-lined reservoir at the back of the unit with hot water during curtain calls so that the prima donna could refresh herself after a performance.

Creator

Source

Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne

Publisher

Grainger Museum

Date

c.1895

Rights

Arts Centre Melbourne

Identifier

Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne
1989.077.001; 1989.077.004–008 | Purchased, 1989
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