Norma Evans: Making do

Norma Evans (1924-2017) came from a family steeped in the ‘making-do’ tradition. Her mother and grandmother were dressmakers; her father a craftsman saddler. Her collection includes a wide range of garments, from hats, gloves, stockings, socks, underwear, school uniforms, coats, scarves, handkerchiefs, ties, trousers, aprons, even netball bibs – many made by Norma and some by her mother, Maud.

As a maker and collector Norma was keen to highlight the “art of women”, expressed through the textile skills that were commonly held by New Zealand women in the mid-20th century.