Locals worth a visit

Happy to say I've finally managed to catch up on a couple of newish local Ballarat venues after months of well meaning intentions.

Firstly the Red Brick Gallery (on the last day of Jessica Bellman's show). Nice gallery & good art, congrats to owners Steph Wallace & Marcia King, hope it goes well.

Secondly the Babushka Bar, where local artist & musician Garth Horsfield has taken over & enhanced this intimate watering hole (formerly the Saloon Bar), to provide a venue for art, alternative music and performance. Congratulations to Garth, here's hoping the venue has a bright future.

Creepy 90s Nanna Decore

Came across an example of that creepy decorating fad from the mid to late 1990s the other weekend, a "Time-out Doll". I mean, who wouldn't find the faceless doppelganger of a toddler being subjected to domestic discipline utterly delightful?

Like crying child and clown prints, I've always found these little replica child victims (and the people they appeal too) faintly disturbing.

Above right: 1990s "Timeout doll" (also known as "pouting dolls", "tantrum tots", "corner kids", etc) seen at the Ballarat Mill Market

Vintage Gold!

Possibly one of the best finds I've had in many years of op-shopping, an original and complete "Golden Era" Men's 3 piece suit from the late 40s/early 50s.

Last year I saw a 3 piece like this at Circa going for $550, ..this one cost me just $35!

Talk about dumb luck, I picked it up only 2 weeks after finding a complete 1970s Safari Suit at the same place. Coincidentally they are both by Roger David.


Above: Men's 1940s/50s wool pinstripe double-breasted 3 piece suit, by Roger David. Found at the Sebas Salvos.

More disturbing clowns

I've previous blogged my feelings on clowns and the decorative arts, but this particular op-shop print has "mildly disturbing" stamped all over it. Titled "Friendship" we have a darkly brooding clown, comforting a frightened (or sneaky?) dwarf clown, seated on a cloud of smug elderly faces.

Googling the signature finds the website of "World renowned clown artist" Robert Owen. Apparently "he has been delighting people with his clowns" for 30 years ....hmmmm.

Classic 70s Polyester

Had an amazing find over the Labour Day long weekend a few weeks ago. I've previously said if I ever saw a Safari Suit cheap I'd grab it, well I finally stumbled on one.

Feast your eyes on this classic and complete 1970s powder blue men's polyester safari suit by Roger David. Big collar, flared pants, the whole deal. Roll on the next bad taste dress-up event!

Above: 1970s Men's Polyester Safari Suit, by Roger David. $25 Sebas Salvos.
Right: Note the male symbol in the old Roger David logo, soooo Disco.

Classic Bristolite Deco

Here's a lovely old pair of Art Deco Bakelite kitchen canisters by "Bristolite", found about six month ago. Originally from a larger set, this lonely pair have luckily survived with no chips or cracks.

Above left: Art Deco Bakelite canisters by "Bristolite", marked "Cat No.311" on base. Probably late 1940s. $12 the pair from the Sebas Salvos.

Groovy Glo-Weave

Another recent find, a vintage Australian made Glo-Weave body shirt. These big-collared body-hugging bad boys were popular from the late 60s well into the 70s disco era. This one's a survivor from the time when Australian shirt brands like Gloweave and Pelaco were still being made locally.

Above: Peach coloured stretch poly/cotton body shirt by Glo-Weave, c1970. $6 from the Sebas Salvos.
Right: note the dual imperial/metric sizing on the tag (Australia started going metric in 1970).