The Doctor Blake Mysteries TV Series: A Brilliant Dive into 1950s Australian Intrigue

The Doctor Blake Mysteries is more than just an Australian period drama TV series; it’s a captivating journey back to the 1950s, filled with intricate mysteries and compelling characters. For fans of intelligent crime dramas set against a richly detailed historical backdrop, “The Doctor Blake Mysteries” is truly brilliant.

Initially, the premise might have seemed familiar, especially following the success of another stylish Australian period mystery series, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Set in the roaring 1920s Melbourne, “Miss Fisher” offered a world of flapper dresses and dazzling adventures. One might have wondered if there was room for another Australian period mystery so soon after. However, “The Doctor Blake Mysteries” quickly carved out its own distinct and equally enthralling niche.

Stephen poses with Craig McLachlan as Doctor Blake

The series distinguishes itself by immersing viewers in the post-World War II atmosphere of 1950s Ballarat. This era, marked by both recovery and lingering shadows of the war, provides a unique and often somber tone, setting it apart from the lighter fare. From the haunting opening theme by Dale Cornelius (explore more on his YouTube channel) to the meticulously crafted plots and the superb ensemble cast, “The Doctor Blake Mysteries” has garnered a dedicated fanbase. The show’s visual style, with its deliberate desaturation of color, effectively reinforces the post-war mood, contributing to the immersive experience of this award-winning series.

Stepping into the World of Doctor Blake: Costume Exhibition in Ballarat

For enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into the show’s world, a unique opportunity arose in Ballarat, the very city where “The Doctor Blake Mysteries” is set and filmed. From May 1st to June 9th, M.A.D.E. (Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka) in Ballarat hosted a dedicated costume exhibition. Given Ballarat’s proximity to Melbourne (approximately a 1.5-hour drive), a visit to this exhibition, combined with exploring Ballarat itself, made for a compelling day trip.

Before heading to M.A.D.E., a worthwhile stop in Ballarat is The Design Exchange market, held in the historic Mining Exchange building on Lydiard Street every Sunday. This vibrant market offers a range of unique items, from clothing to handmade crafts, making it a delightful place to browse.

Mining Exchange Building, Lydiard Street, Ballarat

The Design Exchange market – lots of treasures here

Lunch can be enjoyed just a short walk away at the cafe connected to the Art Gallery of Ballarat. The Art Gallery itself is another cultural gem in Ballarat, worth exploring for its collection.

Art Gallery of Ballarat – photo from March 2012

As you walk along Lydiard Street, admire the Regent Theatre, a beautiful cinema that has made appearances in “Doctor Blake Mysteries,” notably in Series 2, Episode 5, “Crossing the Line.” Across the street, the tourist information shop offers a Doctor Blake Walking Tour brochure for those keen to explore filming locations.

Regent Theatre, Lydiard Street, Ballarat

A brief drive around the scenic Lake Wendouree is a quintessential Ballarat experience, offering views of the lake, birdlife, and impressive houses.

People enjoying Lake Wendouree, March 2012

Finally, arriving at M.A.D.E., situated at the historic Eureka Stockade site, provides not only a glimpse into Australian democracy but also, during the exhibition period, an intimate encounter with the costumes of “The Doctor Blake Mysteries.” M.A.D.E., which opened in May 2013, is a modern museum that uses the Eureka Stockade story to explore democratic values.

M.A.D.E., entrance

Emergency Assembly Point in front of the toy soldiers at the kids play area – somewhat ironic?

A Closer Look at the Costumes: 1950s Fashion on Display

While perhaps not as extensive as the costume collection for “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” at Rippon Lea, the “Doctor Blake Mysteries” exhibition still offered a fascinating glimpse into the sartorial world of 1950s Ballarat. The post-war era marked a shift in fashion, moving away from the opulent styles of the 1920s and 30s. While luxurious materials like furs and feathers were less prominent, the 1950s embraced new synthetic fabrics alongside classic cotton and wool.

The exhibition showcased costumes from key characters, revealing the nuances of 1950s style. Below are some highlights from the exhibition, capturing the details of the clothing worn by beloved characters in “The Doctor Blake Mysteries.”

Nell Clasby – Brown with pink & green sport
Nell Clasby – Brown with pink & green sport ‘Parade’ dress with plaid leather belt

Nell Clasby – Close-up of dress pattern & belt
Nell Clasby – Close-up of dress pattern & belt

Nell Clasby – Sleeve cuff detail
Nell Clasby – Sleeve cuff detail

Jean –
Jean – ‘Vanity Fair’ Pajamas & pink chenile dressing gown

Jean – Close-up of top of pajamas & dressing gown
Jean – Close-up of top of pajamas & dressing gown

Jean – Cream rayon blouse, brown-multicoloured skirt with belt & blue, red, yellow floral apron with bib
Jean – Cream rayon blouse, brown-multicoloured skirt with belt & blue, red, yellow floral apron with bib

Jean – Close-up of brown-multicoloured skirt
Jean – Close-up of brown-multicoloured skirt

Mattie – Navy Blue with red trim short sleeve knit [shirt], red wool A-line skirt & cotton voile & tulle petticoat
Mattie – Navy Blue with red trim short sleeve knit [shirt], red wool A-line skirt & cotton voile & tulle petticoat

Mattie – Close-up of red wool A-line skirt fabric
Mattie – Close-up of red wool A-line skirt fabric

Mattie – Close-up of Mattie
Mattie – Close-up of Mattie’s uniform with Ballarat District Nursing Society badge and watch

Mattie – Red Nurses cardigan & Blue nurses Dress with belt
Mattie – Red Nurses cardigan & Blue nurses Dress with belt

Nurses Uniform [red half cloak & blue dress with belt & watch]
Nurses Uniform [red half cloak & blue dress with belt & watch]

Nurses Uniform [bodice including Royal Australian Nursing Federation Badge Nurses Watch]
Nurses Uniform [bodice including Royal Australian Nursing Federation Badge Nurses Watch]

Lawson – Black police tie, black police belt, police shirt, 2 piece suite & belt with ribbons & epaulette badges
Lawson – Black police tie, black police belt, police shirt, 2 piece suite & belt with ribbons & epaulette badges

Lawson – Right shoulder & sleeve badges & epaulettes
Lawson – Right shoulder & sleeve badges & epaulettes

Lawson – Front buttons
Lawson – Front buttons

Ribbons on Lawson
Ribbons on Lawson’s uniform

Lawson – Epaulettes & pips on Lawson
Lawson – Epaulettes & pips on Lawson’s left shoulder

Alice Harvey – Sage green & red trim dress with belt
Alice Harvey – Sage green & red trim dress with belt

Alice Harvey – Close-up of bodice of sage green dress

Dr [Lucien] Blake –
Dr [Lucien] Blake – ‘Phillips’ white cotton shirt, brown Tweed wool 3 piece suite, brown & blue diagonal triped tie ‘Ensign’, white cotton drill Dr’s coat & brown ‘buckle’ belt

Dr [Lucien] Blake – Close-up of suite vest & tie

Jean – Green rayon evening
Jean – Green rayon evening ‘date’ dress with belt & green jade & silver broche (on green dress)

Jean – Close-up of bodice on green evening dress

Jean – Close-up of Jean’s jade broche

Virginia McKay – Close-up showing floral silk slip & brass buckle detail

Virginia McKay – Cream
Virginia McKay – Cream ‘bloodied’ silk slip & cream ‘bloodied’ cami knickers

Virginia McKay – Cream cotton blouse, chocolate brown cotton skirt, brown leather belt with brass buckle & floral silk slip

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 – Cornflower blue wool 2 piece dress suit with belt, pale pink stripe with ballarina blouse & white Tulle petticoat to be worn under Joy’s dress

Joy McDonald – Close-up of bodice of cornflower blue dress suit

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Joy McDonald – Close-up of pink stripe blouse detail & suit fabric

Joy McDonald – Belt, pocket & cuff detail of 2 piece dress suit

Dr [Lucien] Blake – 3 Piece blue wool suit, overcoat fawn
Dr [Lucien] Blake – 3 Piece blue wool suit, overcoat fawn ‘Andrew Roberts’, ‘Phillips’ white cottom shirt, black belt & ‘Lavin’ blue tie

Dr [Lucien] Blake – Close-up showing details of tie and vest of blue suit

Mattie – Pale hale spot tulle evening dress, cotton lawn & tulle petticoat to be worn with evening dress
Mattie – Pale hale spot tulle evening dress, cotton lawn & tulle petticoat to be worn with evening dress

Mattie – Close-up of accessories on pink tulle dress

Mattie – Close-up of flowers attached to waist band on pink tulle dress
Mattie – Close-up of flowers attached to waist band on pink tulle dress

Jean – Dove grey textured wool swing short coat &
Jean – Dove grey textured wool swing short coat & ‘Atomic’ dress with belt

Jean – Close-up of button & fabric of grey swing short coat

Widgey – Cotton voile & tulle petticoat, lemon nylon slip, yellow floral cotton [s]kirt, white cotton lace blouse & white vinyl belt
Widgey – Cotton voile & tulle petticoat, lemon nylon slip, yellow floral cotton [s]kirt, white cotton lace blouse & white vinyl belt

Widgey – Close-up of white cotton lace blouse

Little Girl – Blue & white checked cotton with anchors & wheel, blue open knit short sleeve cardigan & white cotton blouse
Little Girl – Blue & white checked cotton with anchors & wheel, blue open knit short sleeve cardigan & white cotton blouse ’42’

Bodgy – Denim
Bodgy – Denim ‘Levi’ jeans, vintage brown leather jacket, white cotton Haynes T-shirt & cream cable knit ‘Ca Vernia’ vest

Collection of female character
Collection of female character’s accessories

Jean – Blue satin
Jean – Blue satin ‘Bata’ slippers

Jean – Brown ‘Flexible’ style shoes

Jean – Brown felt](https://daynaa2000.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/10/the-doctor-blake-mysteries-costume-exhibition-ballarat-june-2014/doctor-blake-mysteries-jean-brown-felt-raymor-hat.jpg)
Jean – Brown felt ‘Raymor’ hat

Joy – Red suede shoes

Joy – Pink
Joy – Pink ‘Cotillion’ beaded cardigan

Matties – Gold evening ‘Anna’ shoes

Mattie – Grey felt ‘Gregory Lander’ beret with nurses [Ballarat District Nursing Society] badge

Policeman’s hat

Dr Blake – Grey ‘Akubra’ hat

Dr Blake – ‘Loakes’ shoes

Circa 1950’s telephone

Dr Blake – Medical supplies

Inside Dr Blake’s medical bag

Dr Blake’s blood pressure measuring kit & other tools

Pills, antiseptic, mortar & pestle, flask

While this particular costume exhibition has concluded, “The Doctor Blake Mysteries Tv Series” continues to enchant audiences worldwide. Its blend of historical detail, engaging mysteries, and compelling characters ensures its lasting appeal. If you are yet to discover the world of Dr. Lucien Blake, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in this brilliant Australian drama.