Dr Annette Shiell will be speaking at the Heidelberg Historical Society on Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 7.30pm, at the Ivanhoe Uniting Church Community Centre, Seddon Street, Ivanhoe. Dr Shiell will present on Melbourne fashion and homewares designer – and Heidelberg local – Enid Gilchrist OAM.

Enid Gilchrist OAM was a formative influence on Australian home dressmaking from the 1940s to the 1970s. Her weekly patterns in The Argus and later New Idea, along with her 66 pattern magazines, reached millions of makers across Australia and overseas. A pioneer of practical, sustainable and affordable fashion, Enid equipped home dressmakers with simple drafting methods, clear instructions and adaptable, durable designs. As a working mother, she championed reuse, versatility and DIY creativity long before these ideas became mainstream.

Deeply connected to her Heidelberg community, Enid employed neighbours and family members, featured local children as models, and contributed to public service and charitable work, including with the Infant Welfare Division and the Red Cross.

Dr Annette Shiell is a curator, historian and educator specialising in arts and heritage, with a particular focus on collections and overlooked histories.

This event is hosted by the Heidelberg Historical Society.