Avice Bowbyes

1975

Kind permission from Gary Blackman

[Dunedin]

Avice Maud Bowbyes (1901-92) was born in Kaikoura but grew up in Christchurch and graduated from Otago University in 1922 with a Home Science degree. Subsequently, after studying at Columbia University, New York, Bowbyes became Head of the Clothing Department at Otago – a job she held for the next 32 years. She was instrumental in helping establish adult education classes in the province and changing the way secondary school students were taught Home Science. She also helped to raise funds to establish Studholme Hall – the residence for Home Science students at Otago. Sabbaticals in the 1940s and 50s took her to Paris, England and the States, her press card gaining her entry to many fashion shows – Bowbyes was the fashion reporter for the Otago Daily Times for 20 years.