From Mail Order to Online Shopping

Join curator Michael Lech for an insightful look into the world of department store and mail order catalogues housed in the Caroline Simpson Library Collection.

Long before online shopping existed, there was mail order shopping. As far back as the late 19th century, Sydney’s largest department stores, including Anthony Hordern & Sons, Mark Foy’s and David Jones, sent out mail order catalogues of over 1,000 pages in length to the far corners of the continent. Customers could buy almost anything by mail order, from furniture to groceries, sporting equipment to the latest fashions from London, and fittings and furnishings for the home.

Join a curator-led tour at the Caroline Simpson Library of department store materials and artefacts. Browse through the mail order catalogues and learn to shop the old-fashioned way.

Members get more: Members enjoy pre-sale access and a 20% discount on tickets.