While today it’s considered a staple of men’s formal attire, the bow tie has more humble origins. Inspired by the scarves which Croatian mercenaries tied around their necks during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648), the style was soon adopted in French fashion as the ‘cravat.’ In the 18th Century, a man named Beau Brummell – […]
It’s hard to imagine that we once relied on horses and bullocks to take bulky produce to market, move heavy loads, and travel long distances. Back then, saddlers were essential because they made and repaired harnesses and leatherwork. In the 1870s, John Priest (born c. 1851) was one of the first saddlers to open in […]
These days, many people are familiar with dental braces and trying to create the perfect smile. However, you might be surprised to know that braces have been around for thousands of years – worn by even the ancient Egyptians! Straight teeth have been aesthetically sought after for a very long time. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and […]
Museums & Galleries of NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands that comprise the state now known as NSW.
We pay respect to them as First Nations people with a continuing connection to land, place, waters and community
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this site contains stories, images, voices, and video of people who have died.
Some material may contain terms that reflect common usage of the period in which it was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. Such terms do not reflect the views of Museums and Galleries of NSW and are provided only to reflect historical context.