Back to Black on tour

Following a highly successful season at Old Government House, Back to Black is now touring other National Trust (NSW) places across the state. A curation of clothing and accessories drawn from the National Trust collection, Back to Black examines the history of this enduring shade and the various meanings it has taken on in fashion.

Clothing and accessories included in the original display have returned to their respective home properties and are currently on show at these special places, alongside other fascinating objects from the collection.

At Saumarez Homestead, Back to Black focuses on a range of items worn by the White family, the former owners of the striking Edwardian mansion located on Anaiwan Country in Armidale. From F.J. White’s elegant c.1890s top hat to the stylish party dresses from the 1950s sported by his daughters, the objects on display offer an enthralling look back at the evolving fashions donned by this prominent New-England family.

On Wonnarua land, in Maitland, a magnificent riding habit is on display at Grossman House. Styled on a custom-made mannequin on a side-saddle, this interpretation allows visitors to see the garment as it would have appeared while in use. Black dresses are also displayed at Riversdale, alongside items made and worn by the Twynam family, who acquired the Colonial Georgian house situated on Gundungurra Country, in Goulburn, in 1875.

At each of the properties, many of the garments on display are mourning wear. This style of dress was popularised by Queen Victoria as she grieved her husband Albert, following his death in 1861. This event coincided with the mid-19th-century development of a new synthetic aniline dye. This advancement meant that previously expensive black cloth became more readily accessible for a greater range of people.

The production of cheaper black fabric led to sweeping changes in fashion; men in professions donned finely tailored black suits, and servants adopted black in simple, hard-wearing styles. By the 20th century black had taken on a new life – practical, versatile and fashionable.

Mournfully sombre, elegantly chic, alluringly seductive or edgily subversive, black continues to attract wearers, young and old, in the twenty-first century.

Not able to make it to our special places?

Explore the original curation at Old Government House online in a virtual walkthrough.