Objects of Substance- Shirley Lahey Togs

A precious and revealing artefact: Shirley Lahey’s “Speedo swimsuit” In 1890, Lady Principal, Charlotte Pells, stated in her Annual Report that “I hope that next year many more girls will be induced to come forward, swimming being now recognised as one of the most valuable forms of physical exercise, independently of any other consideration.” In this statement, Miss Pells was reflecting on the tragedy of the sinking of the steamship, SS Quetta, bound for England in February of that same year. Why would the sinking of a ship in Torres Strait have such an impact on Brisbane Girls Grammar School so far from Torres Strait and its swimming program? On this ship were many of Brisbane’s “favourite sons” and well-known families. One family was Reuben Nicklin, his wife, Jane, and daughter, Alice. Of the 292 people on board, only 158 survived; four of whom were women, one being Alice Nicklin. The outcry in The Brisbane Courier was overwhelming and much discussion ensued on the importance of swimming instruction - for girls and boys alike. It would appear that Sir Charles Lilley agreed with Miss Pells and also had a strong view on the importance of developing the ability to swim. He donated prizes for swimming from 1891. Swimming was incorporated into the Girls Grammar curriculum with classes conducted at the Spring Hill Baths which also became the venue for competitive swimming from the late 1890s. The proximity of these baths meant that the School did not build its own pool until 1960 with girls learning to swim, developing lifesaving skills, and swimming competitively at this local venue that still stands. So, how do Shirley Lahey and her togs fit into this mosaic of tragedy and physical enlightenment? Jane Nicklin was Shirley Lahey’s great aunt and Shirley had grown up knowing the story of The Quetta and its impact on her family. Swimming, therefore, one could assume, would have been a priority for this Queensland family.

Shirley Lahey’s 1939 “Speedo swimsuit”

The evolution of the Grammar swimwear is linked with the development of women’s swimming fashion transitioning from “neck-to-knee” style of costume to the one piece in the 1920s, which took inspiration directly from the men’s swimsuits. These bathing suits had a short leg and a racerback and were originally made of wool. Try swimming in those! The 1930s saw the invention of Lastex, which was yarn covered in rubber and used in women’s undergarments. This made swimwear more comfortable and created less drag in the water. In 1928, the style for the competitive swimwear was the racerback created by Speedo – then known as Fortitude. Shirley Lahey’s 1939 togs are a Speedo product. However, there is now no evidence left of that “modern” Lastex finish.

Shirley Lahey’s swimwear (detail)

What is obvious is the large School badge sewn onto the back of the togs. These cloth badges were screen printed onto white material, cut out, and then sewn onto the swimming togs to identify the swimmers when they were in the water competing. [Backstroke would have posed a problem!] Shirley Lahey attended Girls Grammar from 1939 to 1940. In her IV Form year (Year 10), she represented the School swimming in the Junior Brockway Cup in 1940, swimming in these very togs. Shirley with her teammates placed third behind Somerville House and St Margaret’s.

Shirley Lahey obviously regarded her Grammar swimming exploits as significant because she kept her costume, and wrote in 1989 to the then Principal, Judith Hancock, asking if the School would like her togs for the archives. She reminisced, “this Speedo swimsuit was worn by me in the Brockway Cup in 1939, just fifty years ago. I competed as an under 14-year-old in the relay event.”

c1940 Brockway Cup at the Valley Pool.

What does this swimwear tell us about Girls Grammar? There is a long history of swimming and, more particularly, lifesaving within the School curriculum. Girls have been learning to swim and swimming competitively for most of our 147 years. Importance has always been placed on the ability to swim, rather than swimming fast, and having the capacity to protect and help others. Two concepts that say much about the philosophy of this School. Shirley’s togs will always be treasured as they are a tangible link not only to our long and colourful swimming history but also to the idea that girls must be given every opportunity to be challenged and to prove their abilities in any field of endeavour.

Pauline Harvey-Short (1971) Manager, School History and Culture

References Foley, JCH The Quetta: Queensland’s worst disaster, Nairana Publications, Brisbane, 1990. Lahey, Shirley The Laheys Pioneer Settlers and Sawmillers, Shirley Lahey, 2003 Brisbane. Stirling, Joyce “A drama of the Sea” The Telegraph, 24 February 1940, page 9 .