Ladies Hat Box - owned by N Gelland

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Unknown

Overview

Round black hat box, with brass lock. Gold initials monogrammed on top of lid. A couple of travel labels attached to box. Internal walls of the box are covered with navy blue shot satin.

Historical information

A ladies' hat box was primarily used to store and transport hats. It was designed to protect hats from damage, dust, and moisture, ensuring they remained in pristine condition.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-124-2026.153

Item type

Clothing

Objects

Themes

Fashion

Material

Brass

Leather

Satin

Width

470 mm

Height or length

432 mm

Depth

216 mm

Inscriptions and markings

Passenger labels :
(a) "British Railways. Southern Region to Waterloo"
(b) "Australian. WA"

On top of lid, gold lettering inscription: "NG"

Contextual information

This hat box was originally owned by Nancy Gelland. She gifted it to Olga Ponsford (nee Cummings) for her trip to Waterloo Station in London, United Kingdom to board a ship to Australia.

The donor's parents, Olga and Alec Ponsford, were both born in the UK, and married in July 1935. In Australia, they worked at the Fremantle Art Centre.

Mr & Mrs A Ponsford had a daughter, Patricia Ponsford (born 1938) and married Anthony Charles Brant. Patricia donated this hat box to the Busselton Museum.

Keywords

Hat Box

Primary significance criteria

Artistic or aesthetic significance

Historic significance

Social or spiritual significance

Last modified

Friday, 5 June, 2026

Completeness

Item feedback

Busselton Historical Society