Printed rayon WWII Map Dress from 1946

From Tess Shingles, Assistant Curator Queensland Stories:
"Made from Second World War Escape and Evasion maps printed on rayon, this dress holds a fascinating secret. Escape and Evasion maps were made to assist allied forces pilots to escape capture if they fell behind enemy lines. As these maps were printed on silk early in the war and rayon later, they were durable, could get wet and could be easily folded and hidden in small places.

After the war, these maps were sought after for their fabric, which could be refashioned into garments – both resourceful and patriotic! This particular dress was made from Escape and Evasion maps acquired at an army disposal store in Sydney in 1946."

This object is part of Queensland Museum's Garments Collection. Donate now to take care of this treasure.