A public search for an Eden Hore mystery model proved successful when a family member came forward with the news of who she was and how she came to be wearing one of the collection.
Stained glass maker and conservator Peter Mackenzie was alerted to the picture in the Otago Daily Times and recognised the model as his late wife, Stephané Martha Maria Williams, later Mackenzie, originally from Cape Town South Africa, who migrated to New Zealand.
Another of of Eden’s models, Lynne Steiner recognised her also, dating the photo as having been taken in 1972/73 and picks up the story.
"She came to NZ with her small son from South Africa. Her son was ‘Half Cast ‘ and she was a single mother which was not good there at the time in South Africa. She came here to give him a better life."
According to Lynne, Stephané was Eden’s housekeeper and did a lot of modeling of the garments.
"My husband at the time was a photographer and took the photos. His name was Max Lowrey. He also took photos of me in many of the dresses. One in particular was me wearing the Princess Anne wedding dress."
Stephané later left the farm and married Arpi Kovac. She died in Ruby Bay, in the Nelson area approx 5 years ago.
So, a mystery uncovered and a deeper understanding of the world of Eden Hore revealed.
