Clothing and Fashion, Published 17 July 2026
Did you know one of the world's most innovative corsets was invented right here in Brisbane?
Meet Sarah Ann Jenyns – an inventor and entrepreneur whose innovative designs helped transform women's foundation garments and built one of Queensland's most successful manufacturing businesses.
In 1908, Sarah patented her revolutionary corset, designed to provide far greater comfort than the rigid corsets commonly worn at the time. Featuring her ingenious "Vertabrella" flexible steel support system, it offered improved support and flexibility. Even more remarkably, the corset could be laced without assistance – a significant innovation for the early 20th century.
As demand for her designs grew, the business expanded into the impressive J.P.C. Building at 327 George Street, completed in 1912 as the headquarters of Jenyns Patent Corsets Ltd. From this Brisbane landmark, locally made garments were distributed throughout Australia and exported overseas, earning an international reputation for quality and innovation.
At its peak, the company employed hundreds of Queensland workers and became one of Australia's leading manufacturers of corsets, surgical supports and foundation garments. Sarah's commitment to innovation also saw the company develop garments promoted with endorsements from medical practitioners, further enhancing its reputation for quality, comfort and craftsmanship.
Today, the heritage-listed J.P.C. Building stands as a lasting reminder of one of Brisbane's great business success stories. Sarah Ann Jenyns wasn't simply designing corsets, she was rethinking how they could provide greater comfort, support and practicality. Her success demonstrated that a Brisbane-made invention could earn an international reputation for innovation and quality.
Have you ever noticed the J.P.C. Building on George Street? Next time you're passing by, take a moment to look up. You're standing in front of the former headquarters of one of Queensland's most remarkable female inventors and entrepreneurs, whose legacy remains an important part of Brisbane's history.
Images courtesy of the National Archives of Australia and Queensland State Archives - Public domain. The interior shop image is a computer-generated historical illustration based on archival reference material.
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