I've kept these glasses because they belonged to women who I have loved and who are very much alive in me, but who have passed on. I saw these glasses everytime I looked into their faces and they saw me through these frames. strong, unshakable views about the world.

Her eldest sister, Rose (the big glasses) was equally strong and opinionated but far less practical — glamourous, fashionable and flamboyant. She was a milliner.

The blue glasses belonged to their sister-in-law, Adele — a steely and fascinating woman of compelling style. She wore diamonds and a bracelet that jingled with the charms she had collected from exotic places.

My mother's family had a hat shop on Acland St, called Bel-Annette. The family lived behind the shop. Once a week I would stay overnight with my Aunt who ran the shop.

Every visit held the expectation of a treat — a Passiona bought at the milkbar next door and an escorted trip across the road to buy a cake from Monarch.
Marie-Lou Howie — Jewish Museum

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