Terms and Conditions
The artist, title and date of the work must be listed anywhere the image is reproduced:
Asbury Mills, New York (manufacturer)
Annette Kellerman (designer)
Swimsuit (c. 1920)
wool, shell button
75.0 cm (centre front) 35.5 cm (waist, flat)
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 2002
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Where possible, the image must be reproduced in full (no cropping or over-printing). If you wish to use a detail of the work, a full reproduction of the work must also be reproduced elsewhere in the publication.
While the NGV believes this work to be in the Public Domain, it is the responsibility of the publisher to ensure that no further permissions are required for use.
For a complete list of terms and condition of use see the National Gallery of Victoria’s copyright policy.
Swimsuit
(c. 1920)
Medium
wool, shell button
Measurements
75.0 cm (centre front) 35.5 cm (waist, flat)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 2002
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
The combination of increased leisure time in the 1920s and 30s alongside developing theories on health saw more people spending more time outdoors. One of the most significant developments occurred in swimwear. Annette Kellerman, an Australian champion swimmer, wore the men’s multi-piece stretch jumpsuit as it offered increased speed and comfort in the water. By 1920, Astbury Mills had begun producing the wool-knit maillot, a tight-fitting one-piece swimsuit with tank-style top and high-cut legs. It was marketed as the Annette Kellerman and dominated swimwear.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
New York, United States
Inscription
label, centre back neckline, woven in black and red on yellow synthetic fabric: (girl in a swimsuit) Annette / Kellermann / Two-in-One / BATHING SUIT / REG.US.PAT.OFF. / ASBURY MILLS, N.Y.
Accession Number
2002.184
Department
International Fashion and Textiles
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest