The photo shows Joan Mercer c.1960s-1970s. She is wearing a pale suit, floral hat, gloves. In an interview for the East Melbourne Historical Society she is recorded as saying, 'I can't bear mixed things. I must have all one colour, or mixed colours but matching.'
Joan was married to civil engineer, Leslie Boyd Mercer. She was a keen amateur actress and had a lifelong interest in fashion. At one time she organised fashion parades for Mantons department store in Bourke Street.
She and her husband moved to East Melbourne in 1964, initially to 59 George Street. After her husband's death in 1977 Joan moved to 28 Simpson Street and finally to 62 Simpson Street. She died in 2004.
Black and white photo by Melba Studios, 149 Swanston Street, Melbourne