Generations later, in 1993, the exquisite dress found its way to the Museum’s collection through the generous donation of Eileen Martin, a granddaughter of Alivine and Wilhelm Franke. The dress has become not just a historical artefact, but a tangible link .
The dress, made from silk taffeta and satin believed to be imported from Germany and tailored in New Zealand, showcases a fusion of machine and hand sewing techniques.