Hidden within the State Library of Victoria is an exhibition that delves into Melbourne’s rich shopping history with a focus on retail development, attitudes towards the act of shopping, and the evolution of products and technology. We were lucky enough to join curator Jane Rhodes on a tour of the exhibition yesterday, to discover how Melbourne became the shopping mecca that we all know and love today.
’til you drop explores the shopping habits of settlers in the 1880s and how entrepreneurs of the time set up the early arcades, paving the way for the malls of the future. The exhibition has an extensive collection of posters, photographs, catalogues and sketches (such as the beautiful design sketches of 1920s flapper dresses for Manton’s department store, see right) to both educate and transport you back in time.
Early retail advertising campaigns are side by side with vintage cash registers, postcards and paintings. ’til you drop is an exhibition for every style conscious Melburnian; the trip through each time period is fascinating, introducing new concepts and history as you discover the birth of retail therapy as a popular pastime.
’til you drop is open in the Keith Murdoch Gallery until 31 October 2010, 10.00am – 5.00pm daily (to 9.00pm Thursdays).
Image courtesy of the State Library of Victoria archive
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