In the stunning heritage setting of Fairymead House sits a 70-year-old dress worn by Bundaberg’s Gladys Moncrieff.
It’s not a lost wardrobe item. The dress holds pride of place at a piano concert hosted by the Our Glad Association.
Concert performer Lisa Budin personally delivered the dress as part of a collection donated to the association two years ago.
Our Glad Association president Leonie Egan said she was thrilled to finally have the collection safely in Bundaberg.
She said the association would love to see the dress displayed in a centre housing Moncrieff memorabilia.
“Now is the time for Bundaberg to bring home “Our Glad” and commemorate her in a manner that befits the impact she had on Australia’s musical world,” Ms Egan said.
“We seek general membership of the association throughout Australia and New Zealand to create this important centre.”
Should the centre become reality Ms Egan said it would be the only place in Australia for music lovers and interested fans to immediately access the amazing history of Gladys Moncrieff.
Treasured collection donated to local group
A collection held by Gladys’ stage show manager J C Williamson was donated to the Our Glad Association in 2017.
In addition to some of Gladys’ stunning wardrobe pieces the collection features 78 records, photos and paintings.
About Gladys Moncrieff
Bundaberg-born Gladys Moncrieff is one of Australian theatre’s most famous stars following her 60 year singing career.
Born Gladys Lillian Moncrieff on 13 April 1892 in Bundaberg she was the youngest child of Reginald Moncrieff (piano tuner) and his wife Amy Lambell (professional singer).
She was a talented child, making her stage debut in Bundaberg where she sang ‘The Merriest Girl That's Out'.
She toured the state singing and giving concerts, and was billed as ‘Little Gladys – the Australian Wonder Child'.
Gladys toured New Zealand and was extremely well received. The Australian public were proud of her achievements and Moncrieff became known as ‘Australia’s Queen of Song' and then ‘Our Glad'.
Gladys had a powerful, wide-ranging, rich soprano voice, and excellent diction. She approached her singing like a craft, meticulously and unostentatiously.
She dressed simply and did not shun menial tasks. Her large informal parties were memorable for her superb cooking, especially her pie with seventy dozen oysters.
She became a legend in Australia in her lifetime, respected by her professional colleagues and loved by her devoted public.
Gladys retired to the Gold Coast in 1968 where she saw out her days until 8 February 1976.
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