Elva Daphne Barker : 1928—2019  “A Life of Inspiration Born of Necessity”  

From Pyrenees Pioneers issue 291 May 2019

Well known local identity Elva Daphne Barker (nee Jardine) was born on the 18th April 1928 and lived in Avoca until her passing on the 14th April 2019, four days short of her 91st birthday.  

Avoca Community Arts and Gardens together with Elva’s family will  present an amazing exhibition of Elva’s paintings, tapestries, China painting, and garments and costumes in Gallery 127 during July [2019].  

A tumultuous world on the brink of war and a need for making necessities out of very little, combined with a natural artistic inclination, drew Elva into creating her own version of haute couture in her small-town environment of Avoca. With some tutoring in dressmaking from another local, Sylvia Greenwood, she made most of her own clothing with occasional help from her sister Irene. 

Circa 1948 Elva and Barbara Romey opened a shop in High Street Avoca offering beautifully tailored and bespoke clothing for special events, gowns for debutante balls, weddings and tailored suits, coats and ensembles, as well as everyday clothing including an alteration service. They often travelled to Melbourne by the train to purchase  materials for their small business. Elva recounted that she even made a two-piece bathing costume for herself in about 1946! For her marriage to Lawrence William Barker on the 11th of October 1952, a local boy she had known before he left to serve in the RAAF, Elva created her own beautiful lace wedding dress and a bridesmaid’s dress for her sister, Irene, which are both presented photographically in this exhibition along with many other creations  undertaken for her own family as well as members of her wider community. In later life she also made gowns for ballroom dancing – again for herself and others. A range of various garments that were made by Elva are also  displayed.  

Gardening along with travel particularly overseas inspired her to paint on canvas and on fired china. Examples of her works are presented and reflect a high standard of competence. Elva also loved creating tapestries and would buy kits and then turn them into her own creations by changes in colours and content.  

Elva’s talents went far beyond her dress making. [In 2019 her work was on display at] Gallery 127 at the historic Avoca Railway Station in York Ave [showing] the creative talents of one of the town’s well loved and respected citizens–  Elva Daphne Barker. The Official Opening [was] on Saturday 29th June [2019].

Wikitree: Elva Daphne (Jardine) Barker (1928-2019)