Fit for the Prince and Princess

c.1925 Photographer Unknown

Leo Haks is a celebrated collector of historical photographs, among other things, who over a thirty year period amassed an astonishing collection of imagery taken throughout Indonesia by a number of photographers (many unknown) during the time of Dutch colonial rule. The National Gallery of Australia has been fortunate enough to become guardians of this collection - Leo donated his collection some time in 2007. Thanks Leo. I will certainly have to make the trip to Canberra to look at the beautiful pictures to see first hand the clothes being worn in their most traditional and celebrated fashion by children and adults. I love the baggy pants above, and the little girl in the image below is so beautiful. I'll also have to get my hands on a copy of the book Batik: From the Courts of Java and Sumatra as it features some of the photographs from the collection, and some good reading by the look of it. That should keep me occupied while I wait for the rest of my order......