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This is a receipt made out to Mrs Hector of Georgiana Hector for lace cape, from Madame (Ellen) Bottenelli, who ran a millinery and ladies warehouse in Hardy Street, Nelson. Mrs Hector purchased the cape in November 1874 on credit.
Madame Bottenelli had formerly worked for the local drapers Wilson & Richardson, who in 1865 proudly informed ‘the Ladies of Nelson’ that they had appointed Madame Bottenelli as the manager of their new millinery showroom, noting that her qualifications were ‘derived from long experience in London and Paris’, and as such they could guarantee that ‘every article sold will be distinguished by good taste’. In 1868, Madame Bottenelli opened her own millinery store, featuring the ‘latest English and French fashions’, and stocking dresses, mantles, trimmings, ribbons, bonnets and hats.
Madame Bottenelli moved from Nelson to Auckland in 1877 where she set up business once more. Although she was declared bankrupt in 1884, she
was in business again the following year, and in 1887 was working as a dressmaker, with apprentices, as well as letting apartments.The receipt is part of a cache of household accounts relating to the Hectors expenditure from 1868 to 1874.