Museum Metadata Exchange

Names

Name PrimaryJan Taylor collection

IDs

ID Localnma-collection-182

ID Urihttp://www.nma.gov.au/collections-search/results?search=adv&ref=coll&collname=Jan+Taylor+collection

Descriptions

Brief DescriptionThe Jan Taylor collection documents Jan's experience as a participant through regional, state and national contests for the Miss Australia Quest, her crowning as Miss Australia 1964, and her participation in the 1964 International Beauty Congress. The collection includes three sashes, a scrapbook, a Miss Australia 1964 sceptre, an LP record, and a dress designed as 'national costume' by Beril Jents, worn by Jan at the International Beauty Congress in Long Beach, California. The collection is supported by thirty-two (32) photographs and ephemera items documenting Jan Taylor's experience as participant, and eventual winner of the Miss Australia Quest.

Full DescriptionThe Miss Australia Quest (from 1992 known as the Miss Australia Awards) ran continuously from 1953 to 2000 and was arguably the longest running, most popular and most successful charitable enterprise in Australia's history. The first documented nationwide contest to identify Australia's ideal woman was held in 1907, however the first official use of the title 'Miss Australia' is more generally thought to have been used in relation to 'Miss Australia 1926' - Beryl Mills from Western Australia. Further contests were held in 1927, 1937, and from 1945 until 1950. It was in 1953 when Bernard Dowd (manufacturer of Hickory Lingerie in Australia) and his company Dowd Associates took over running of the competition that the Quest became a registered business enterprise, and the 'search for Miss Australia' gained momentum. From 1954 until 2000 the Quest ran primarily as a fundraising event for the Australian Cerebral Palsy Association (ACPA), and is estimated to have raised $90 million for people with cerebral palsy.

SignificanceOver its lifetime, the Quest reflected many of the changes that took place in Australian society and culture: the changing role and perceptions of women; changing perceptions of people with disabilities; the influence of migrants and 'New Australians'; and the presentation of Australia and Australians overseas.

RightsNational Museum of Australia

AccessPhysical access to the collection by appointment only

Notehttp://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/past_exhibitions/miss_australia_a_nations_quest/

Related Collections

Dates

Date Record Updated2012-05-30 23:43

Date Created in MME2011-06-27 10:42