Discovering the Charm of “Doctor Blake Mysteries Series”: A Costume Exhibition and Beyond

“The Doctor Blake Mysteries” is an Australian television series that has captivated audiences with its intriguing storylines set in 1950s Ballarat. Following in the footsteps of popular period dramas, this series quickly distinguished itself, not by mimicking the glamour of its predecessors, but by delving into the post-war atmosphere of a regional Australian town. For fans and newcomers alike, the series offers a compelling blend of mystery, character-driven narratives, and a glimpse into a bygone era.

What immediately draws viewers into “Doctor Blake Mysteries Series” is its distinctive mood. Unlike the bright and breezy settings sometimes associated with period dramas, this series embraces the nuanced palette of post-World War II Australia. The haunting opening theme, composed by Dale Cornelius, sets the tone for the mysteries that unfold, hinting at the underlying tensions and complexities of the time. The casting is superb, bringing to life a range of memorable characters, and the intricate plots keep viewers guessing until the very end. The production quality is also award-winning, contributing to the immersive experience of each episode. While the intentionally muted color palette might initially seem unusual, it effectively reinforces the post-war atmosphere, creating a visual landscape that reflects the era’s sensibilities.

The series’ official Facebook page generated excitement amongst fans with the announcement of Season 3, indicating its growing popularity and the audience’s desire for more stories from Doctor Blake’s world.

Stephen poses with Craig McLachlan as Doctor Blake
Actor Craig McLachlan portraying Doctor Lucien Blake alongside a fan, highlighting the series’ engaging lead character.

For enthusiasts wanting to delve deeper into the world of “Doctor Blake Mysteries Series”, a unique opportunity arose with a costume exhibition held at M.A.D.E. (Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka) in Ballarat. From May 1st to June 9th, fans could get an up-close look at the meticulously crafted costumes that brought the characters to life. Ballarat, a historically rich city just a short drive from Melbourne, proved to be the perfect location for such an exhibition, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the show’s setting.

Before visiting the exhibition, a stop at The Design Exchange market in Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange building is highly recommended. This Sunday market offers a delightful array of crafts and vintage items, providing a taste of Ballarat’s local culture. While menswear options might be limited, there are plenty of unique finds to discover, and the building itself is an architectural gem.

Mining Exchange Building, Lydiard Street, Ballarat
The historic Mining Exchange Building in Lydiard Street, Ballarat, a cultural landmark and location of The Design Exchange market.

The Design Exchange market – lots of treasures here
A vibrant scene inside The Design Exchange market, showcasing the variety of handmade crafts and vintage items available.

Lunch at the cafe attached to the Art Gallery of Ballarat offers another cultural interlude. The gallery itself is worth exploring, adding to the day’s Ballarat experience. Fans of “Doctor Blake Mysteries Series” might even find themselves wondering if the fictional Dr. Blake’s mother’s painting would find a place within its walls.

Art Gallery of Ballarat – photo from March 2012
The Art Gallery of Ballarat, a significant cultural institution in Ballarat, offering artistic enrichment to visitors.

Crossing Lydiard Street, the Regent Theatre stands as another notable landmark, having even made an appearance in “Doctor Blake Mysteries Series”. The nearby tourist information shop is a valuable resource for visitors, offering brochures like the “Doctor Blake Walking Tour”, which guides fans to filming locations throughout Ballarat. While guided tours might be desirable for insider information, the self-guided brochure provides a great starting point for exploration.

Regent Theatre, Lydiard Street, Ballarat
The Regent Theatre in Ballarat, an architectural gem and a recognizable location from “Doctor Blake Mysteries Series”.

A drive around Lake Wendouree is quintessential Ballarat. This scenic lake offers beautiful views, birdlife, and glimpses of impressive homes, making it a relaxing interlude before further exploration.

People enjoying Lake Wendouree, March 2012
Lake Wendouree in Ballarat, a popular recreational area providing scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere.

Finally, arriving at M.A.D.E., located at the historic Eureka Stockade site, offered a chance to engage with Australian democracy and, of course, the “Doctor Blake Mysteries Series” costume exhibition. M.A.D.E., opened in 2013, provides an interactive and informative experience for all ages, making it a worthwhile destination in itself.

M.A.D.E., entrance
The entrance to M.A.D.E. (Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka) in Ballarat, hosting the costume exhibition.

Emergency Assembly Point in front of the toy soldiers at the kids play area – somewhat ironic?
An amusing juxtaposition at M.A.D.E., with an emergency assembly point sign near toy soldiers in a children’s area.

While perhaps not as extensive as some other costume exhibitions, the “Doctor Blake Mysteries Series” display offered a fascinating glimpse into the wardrobe of the show’s characters. In contrast to the opulent fashions of the 1920s, the post-war 1950s saw a shift towards more practical and less extravagant styles. Synthetics began to emerge, though natural fabrics like cotton and wool still played a significant role. The exhibition showcased this transition, displaying garments worn by key characters like Jean, Mattie, Lawson, Alice, and of course, Dr. Lucien Blake himself.

The costumes were displayed with attention to detail, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and the subtle nuances of 1950s fashion. From Nell Clasby’s sporty dress to Jean’s elegant evening gown, each outfit told a story about the character and the era. Mattie’s nurse uniforms reflected her professional role, while Lawson’s police attire spoke to his authority. Even the smaller details, like accessories and shoes, contributed to the overall authenticity of the exhibition.

Nell Clasby – Brown with pink & green sport
Nell Clasby’s brown and pink sport parade dress with plaid leather belt, a stylish example of 1950s sportswear.

Nell Clasby – Close-up of dress pattern & belt
A detailed view of Nell Clasby’s dress pattern and belt, highlighting the fabric texture and design details of the 1950s.

Nell Clasby – Sleeve cuff detail
Close-up on the sleeve cuff of Nell Clasby’s dress, showing the tailored finish and subtle elegance of the era’s clothing.

Jean –
Jean’s “Vanity Fair” pajamas and pink chenille dressing gown, representing intimate apparel styles of the 1950s.

Jean – Close-up of top of pajamas & dressing gown
A closer look at Jean’s pajamas and dressing gown, highlighting the fabrics and delicate detailing of sleepwear from the period.

Jean – Cream rayon blouse, brown-multicoloured skirt with belt & blue, red, yellow floral apron with bib
Jean’s cream rayon blouse, multicolored skirt, and floral apron, showcasing typical domestic attire of women in the 1950s.

Jean – Close-up of brown-multicoloured skirt
Detail of Jean’s multicolored skirt, emphasizing the textile patterns and textures prevalent in 1950s fashion.

Mattie – Navy Blue with red trim short sleeve knit [shirt], red wool A-line skirt & cotton voile & tulle petticoat
Mattie’s navy blue and red nurse’s uniform, featuring a knit shirt and A-line skirt, representative of professional attire in the 1950s.

Mattie – Close-up of red wool A-line skirt fabric
Fabric detail of Mattie’s red wool A-line skirt, showing the texture and weave of the wool common in nurse’s uniforms.

Mattie – Close-up of Mattie
A close-up of Mattie’s uniform, highlighting the Ballarat District Nursing Society badge and nurse’s watch, symbols of her profession.

Mattie – Red Nurses cardigan & Blue nurses Dress with belt
Mattie’s red nurse’s cardigan and blue dress with belt, illustrating the layered uniforms worn by nurses in the 1950s.

Nurses Uniform [red half cloak & blue dress with belt & watch]
A nurse’s uniform featuring a red half cloak and blue dress, complete with a belt and watch, typical components of a nurse’s attire.

Nurses Uniform [bodice including Royal Australian Nursing Federation Badge Nurses Watch]
Bodice detail of a nurse’s uniform, showcasing the Royal Australian Nursing Federation Badge and nurse’s watch, emblems of professional nursing.

Lawson – Black police tie, black police belt, police shirt, 2 piece suite & belt with ribbons & epaulette badges
Lawson’s police uniform, including a black tie, belt, and two-piece suit, adorned with ribbons and epaulette badges, signifying authority.

Lawson – Right shoulder & sleeve badges & epaulettes
Shoulder and sleeve badges and epaulettes on Lawson’s police uniform, detailing the insignia of law enforcement in the 1950s.

Lawson – Front buttons
Front buttons of Lawson’s police uniform, illustrating the formal and structured tailoring of police attire from the era.

Ribbons on Lawson
Ribbons displayed on Lawson’s uniform, indicating service and achievements within the police force.

Lawson – Epaulettes & pips on Lawson
Epaulettes and pips on Lawson’s uniform shoulder, denoting rank and authority in the police hierarchy.

Alice Harvey – Sage green & red trim dress with belt
Alice Harvey’s sage green dress with red trim and belt, a stylish yet understated garment reflecting 1950s daytime fashion.

Alice Harvey – Close-up of bodice of sage green dress
Close-up of the bodice of Alice Harvey’s sage green dress, showing the neckline detail and fabric texture of the 1950s dress.

Dr [Lucien] Blake –
Dr. Lucien Blake’s ensemble, including a tweed suit, white shirt, tie, and doctor’s coat, exemplifying the professional and stylish attire of the lead character.

Dr [Lucien] Blake – Close-up of suite vest & tie
A detailed view of Dr. Blake’s suit vest and tie, highlighting the textures and patterns of men’s formal wear in the 1950s.

Jean – Green rayon evening
Jean’s green rayon evening dress, complete with a belt and jade brooch, representing the elegance of 1950s evening wear.

Jean – Close-up of bodice on green evening dress
A close-up of the bodice of Jean’s green evening dress, showcasing the fabric drape and design details of the 1950s formal attire.

Jean – Close-up of Jean
Detail shot of Jean’s jade brooch, an accessory adding a touch of sophistication and personal style to her evening dress.

Virginia McKay – Close-up showing floral silk slip & brass buckle detail
Close-up of Virginia McKay’s floral silk slip and brass buckle, revealing undergarment details and accessory craftsmanship of the 1950s.

Virginia McKay – Cream
Virginia McKay’s cream “bloodied” silk slip and cami-knickers, likely from a dramatic scene, showcasing delicate undergarments and theatrical costuming.

Virginia McKay – Cream cotton blouse, chocolate brown cotton skirt, brown leather belt with brass buckle & floral silk slip
Virginia McKay’s cream cotton blouse and brown skirt ensemble, paired with a leather belt and silk slip, illustrating everyday wear in the 1950s.

Joy McDonald – Cornflower blue wool 2 piece dress suit with belt, pale pink stripe with ballarina blouse & white Tulle petticoat to be worn under Joy
Joy McDonald’s cornflower blue wool suit with a pink blouse and tulle petticoat, presenting a sophisticated and fashionable 1950s suit.

Joy McDonald – Close-up of bodice of cornflower blue dress suit
A close-up of Joy McDonald’s blue suit bodice, highlighting the tailoring and fabric of a well-structured 1950s garment.

Joy McDonald – Close-up of pink stripe blouse detail & suit fabric
Fabric detail of Joy McDonald’s pink stripe blouse and blue suit, showing the patterns and textures of combined 1950s textiles.

Joy McDonald – Belt, pocket & cuff detail of 2 piece dress suit
Belt, pocket, and cuff details of Joy McDonald’s suit, emphasizing the functional and design elements of 1950s tailored clothing.

Dr [Lucien] Blake – 3 Piece blue wool suit, overcoat fawn
Dr. Lucien Blake’s three-piece blue wool suit with a fawn overcoat, representing the sophisticated and layered menswear of the 1950s.

Dr [Lucien] Blake – Close-up showing details of tie and vest of blue suit
Detail of Dr. Blake’s tie and vest from his blue suit, showing the textures and color coordination of 1950s men’s formal wear.

Mattie – Pale hale spot tulle evening dress, cotton lawn & tulle petticoat to be worn with evening dress
Mattie’s pale tulle evening dress with petticoat, illustrating the delicate and layered construction of 1950s formal gowns.

Mattie – Close-up of accessories on pink tulle dress
Accessories on Mattie’s tulle dress, highlighting jewelry and embellishments that added glamour to 1950s evening ensembles.

Mattie – Close-up of flowers attached to waist band on pink tulle dress
Floral detail at the waist of Mattie’s tulle dress, showcasing the decorative and feminine touches of 1950s fashion.

Jean – Dove grey textured wool swing short coat &
Jean’s dove grey wool swing coat and “Atomic” dress, representing stylish outerwear and dress silhouettes of the 1950s.

Jean – Close-up of button & fabric of grey swing short coat
Button and fabric detail of Jean’s grey swing coat, highlighting the textures and closures used in 1950s coat design.

Widgey – Cotton voile & tulle petticoat, lemon nylon slip, yellow floral cotton [s]kirt, white cotton lace blouse & white vinyl belt
Widgey’s layered outfit, including a petticoat, slip, floral skirt, and lace blouse, showcasing the mix-and-match styles of 1950s women’s fashion.

Widgey – Close-up of white cotton lace blouse
Lace detail on Widgey’s white cotton blouse, emphasizing the delicate and feminine fabrics used in 1950s blouses.

Little Girl – Blue & white checked cotton with anchors & wheel, blue open knit short sleeve cardigan & white cotton blouse
A little girl’s outfit with a nautical-themed dress, cardigan, and blouse, representing children’s clothing styles and patterns of the 1950s.

Bodgy – Denim
Bodgy’s casual attire, including denim jeans, a leather jacket, and a cable knit vest, reflecting the emerging casual wear trends for men in the 1950s.

Collection of female character
A collection of female character accessories, showcasing handbags, gloves, and jewelry that completed 1950s women’s outfits.

Jean – Blue satin
Jean’s blue satin “Bata” slippers, representing indoor footwear and brand preferences of the 1950s.

Jean – Brown
Jean’s brown “Flexible” style shoes, illustrating the practical and comfortable footwear options available in the 1950s.

Jean – Brown felt
Jean’s brown felt “Raymor” hat, a typical headwear accessory for women in the 1950s, reflecting hat styles of the era.

Joy – Red suede shoes
Joy’s red suede shoes, a vibrant footwear choice showcasing the color trends and materials popular in 1950s shoe fashion.

Joy – Pink
Joy’s pink “Cotillion” beaded cardigan, exemplifying embellished knitwear and popular cardigan styles of the 1950s.

Matties – Gold evening
Mattie’s gold evening “Anna” shoes, representing glamorous footwear and brand names associated with 1950s evening wear.

Mattie – Grey felt
Mattie’s grey felt beret with the Ballarat District Nursing Society badge, combining professional insignia with fashionable headwear.

Policeman
A policeman’s hat, an essential part of law enforcement uniforms and a recognizable symbol of authority in the 1950s.

Dr Blake – Grey
Dr. Blake’s grey Akubra hat, an iconic Australian hat style, adding a touch of ruggedness and local flavor to his attire.

Dr Blake –
Dr. Blake’s “Loakes” shoes, representing quality men’s footwear and brand names associated with 1950s fashion.

Beyond the costumes, the exhibition also included props that further enriched the viewing experience. A circa 1950s telephone, medical supplies, and Dr. Blake’s medical bag and blood pressure kit offered glimpses into the practical aspects of life and work in the 1950s, as depicted in the series. These details helped to ground the fictional world in a tangible reality.

Circa 1950
A circa 1950s telephone, a vintage prop representing communication technology and domestic life of the era.

Dr Blake – Medical supplies
Dr. Blake’s medical supplies, showcasing vintage medical instruments and packaging, essential for his role as a doctor in the series.

Inside Dr Blake
Inside Dr. Blake’s medical bag, revealing vintage medical tools and items a doctor would carry in the 1950s.

Dr Blake
Dr. Blake’s blood pressure measuring kit and other medical tools, illustrating the diagnostic equipment used by doctors in the mid-20th century.

Pills, antiseptic, mortar & pestle, flask
Vintage pills, antiseptic, mortar and pestle, and a flask, representing pharmaceutical and medical practices of the 1950s.

While the costume exhibition at M.A.D.E. is now concluded, the enduring appeal of “Doctor Blake Mysteries Series” remains. The series’ captivating mysteries, well-developed characters, and authentic portrayal of 1950s Australia continue to draw in viewers. Hopefully, the spirit of “Doctor Blake Mysteries Series” will inspire further exploration of this fascinating period of Australian history and television drama.