Historic Inglewood to celebrate Mary Quant exhibition
Published on 18 March 2021
The historic town of Inglewood will further showcase its vintage antique and collectable stores in celebration of the Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery this month.
The exhibition, which will run from 20 March to 11 July, focuses on iconic British fashion designer Dame Mary Quant. Bendigo is the exclusive Australian venue for this exhibition from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.
As part of Bendigo Regional Tourism, Inglewood businesses will link in with the exhibition – including displays in its vintage antique and collectable shops, connecting the town with the event. The town will also host a focus month of Mary Quant displays in April.
Inglewood Emporium owner Denise Gartside said the Mary Quant-themed displays would greatly complement the town.
“It is really exciting for Inglewood to be under the Bendigo Regional Tourism banner,” she said.
“Our town is very authentic, so the 1960s Mary Quant theme throughout our stores will add to a wonderful vintage vibe.
“Most of the windows of the shops in town will be very attractive with the colours and clothes of the era.
“The Empire State Hotel will also be joining in with either a Mary Quant-themed cocktail or dessert. I’ll also be doing a 1960’s display on the hotel’s wall.”
The Inglewood Emporium will also be highlighting the Mary Quant exhibition, with Mrs Gartside planning two window displays.
“One will be a Mary Quant theme with original clothes from that era. I have sourced 1960’s clothes for the display.
“The second window will feature pop culture from 1960’s UK when Mary Quant was big – including my Dad’s stereogram.
“I actually remember when my Dad bought it brand new. So I will be putting that in the display and have music playing from that era.”
Mrs Gartside said the town was encouraging people visiting the exhibition to take the opportunity to come to Inglewood and explore its Mary-Quant-themed shops.
“Inglewood is only half an hour from Bendigo so people can spend the day and browse the shops, and the 60’s vibe, enjoy a day out and a great meal at the Empire State Hotel.”
Mrs Gartside, who has been involved in sourcing and selling clothes for over 30 years, particularly vintage clothes, said she has seen a growing interest in clothes from the 1960s.
“Our vintage and gift stores all have something different to offer many age groups – including the young avid vintage collectors of Australian-made vintage designs,” she added.
Bendigo Art Gallery Marketing and Audience Engagement Officer Mark Orlandi said it was great to see businesses in the town getting behind the exhibition.
“It’s really exciting to see the shops and businesses in Inglewood linking in and getting behind the Mary Quant exhibition – especially the town’s vintage, antique and collectable stores,” he said.
“It’s fabulous to be able to collaborate with Inglewood on the Mary Quant exhibition, and we hope it will further bring extended overnight stays to Bendigo and the wider region.”
For more information about the Loddon Valley call the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on 5494 3489 or email loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au
For more information about the Mary Quant exhibition visit the Bendigo Art Gallery website.