Blue Ribbons to Balaclavas

The Melbourne Royal Art, Craft & Cookery competition originates from the former competition called ‘Women’s Industries’. When it was introduced to the Show in 1911, it had just 172 entries. In 1916, Women’s Industries introduced the Red Cross Division competition within the traditional needlework and cookery competition of the Melbourne Royal Show.

If anyone needed to be convinced that women have been obsessed with war work ... the Show would drive the conviction home unmistakably.

The Leader 30 September 1916

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Research is ongoing and we are always seeking to increase knowledge and understanding about the Melbourne Royal® Heritage Collection. If you have any information about the history of the Melbourne Royal or the Melbourne Royal® Show, please contact heritage@melbourneroyal.com.au