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Miss Australia crown worn by national titleholders in the Miss Australia Quest each year from 1965 to 1991
Object type
Crowns (headwear)
Object number
2005.0069.0001
Description
The 'Miss Australia' crown made with a silver-coloured metal in a wattle-leaf design, inset with cultured pearls. On the top of the crown are small gold-coloured figures of a kangaroo and an emu, standing either side of a upright centrepiece which features a large natural pearl. The crown is lined with blue velvet, which is, in turn lined with white netting.
The crown was donated to the Miss Australia Quest organisation by Latvian migrants and jewellers Mr & Mrs James Greenfield, who wished to show their appreciation for being able to escape World War II in Europe and create a new and successful life in Australia.
Collection name
Miss Australia Company collection
The Miss Australia Company collection comprises items of regalia worn by national titleholders in the Miss Australia Quest. The collection includes both the Miss Australia crown (one of the most recognisable symbols of the quest, used from 1965 to 1991), and the Miss Australia Charity Queen tiara (used from 1976 to 1991). These items are supported by a series of thirty-four (34) black & white photographs documenting Quest titleholders over the years 1953 to 1987.
The 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 USA 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 over $90 million for people with cerebral palsy. Over its lifetime, the Quest reflected many of the changes that took place in Australian society: changing roles and perceptions of women; changing views of people with disabilities; the influence of migrants and 'New Australians'; and the presentation of Australia and Australians overseas.
Designer
Mr Ernest Booth
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Place made
Japan
Date made
1964 - 1965
User
Miss Australia Company
Associated organisation
Australian Cerebral Palsy Association
Place used
Australia
Period of use
1965 - 1991
Materials
Metal - non specific, Textile - non specific, Pearl
Dimensions
Width: 180mm
Height: 190mm
Depth: 200mm