EXHIBITIONS
The Museum of Brisbane (MoB) is going “behind the seams” to celebrate the role Brisbane’s migrant textile workers played in an iconic West End clothing factory.
It was a largely female, migrant workforce. And side-by-side, on the factory floor, they forged bonds that continue to last even after the factory doors closed for good.
Behind the Seams: The women who made Can’t Tear ‘Em is MoB’s latest exhibition. It takes visitors inside that West End clothing factory that finally succumbed to overseas competition several years ago.
Behind the Seams reveals the tapestry of cultures, stories and experiences of the women who worked there along with their bonds of friendship that continue to endure.
Largely due to the determination, adaptability and skill of its workers, the West End factory proudly produced and gave rise to one of Australia’s most successful clothing brands, Can’t Tear ‘Em.
Although triumphant over tariff cuts and offshore competition for many years underpinned by the workers’ commitment to keeping the factory open, it closed its doors in July 2009 when parent company, Pacific Brands controversially sent manufacturing offshore.
This exhibition explores the story of the incredible community spirit that was formed inside the factory where many cultures worked side-by-side, under high pressure in a busy but spartan production room.
As part of the exhibition, MoB is offering visitors a rare and privileged opportunity to meet and hear personal stories of two identities behind the Can’t Tear Em; story including Phuong Xuan Vo (pictured above) and Glenda Shugg during two guided tours at 2pm on Sunday, 14 August and Sunday, 16 October.
Behind The Seams: The women who made Can’t Tear ‘Em will show from Friday until 30 October.
The exhibition has been developed in association with the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia who provided training and advocacy to workers who lost their jobs. This exhibition is also a part of a national series of exhibitions acknowledging the contribution of textile workers in arts projects at seven Pacific Brands sites which closed manufacturing in Australia.
MoB is located on the ground floor of 157 Ann Street. MoB is open 10am-5pm, seven days a week. Admission is free.
• For further information about MoB phone council on (07) 3403 8888.
