Blouse thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Blouse

1982
Artist/Maker

Four piece stage costume in novelty chiffon printed with a paisley inspired pattern in mauve, blue green, and dull red with cut 'ribbon' insets, some edged with gold lurex thread, probably worn by Jennie Linden. Waist length blouse gathered into narrow waistband, with long sleeves finishing in elasticated frilled cuffs and frilled cross-over neckline. Attached to back shoulders is a pleated waist-length cape with frilled edge; the frill continues over the shoulder and arounb the armhole. Over the midriff is a large round-sided triangle in cyclamen chiffon, decorated with a stylized floral design in tiny beads, pearls, and sequins, from base corners of which hang strimgs of bugle beads, minute gold flowers and gold drops, caught up into tiny loops. The neck and front edge around the triangle is edged with narrow gold lurex braid. The blouse fastens with press studs behind the decorative triangle.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Waist length blouse of novelty chiffon designed by Bill Gibb and probably worn by Jennie Linden in 'This Thing Called Love', Watermill Theatre, Newbury, 1982
Physical description
Four piece stage costume in novelty chiffon printed with a paisley inspired pattern in mauve, blue green, and dull red with cut 'ribbon' insets, some edged with gold lurex thread, probably worn by Jennie Linden. Waist length blouse gathered into narrow waistband, with long sleeves finishing in elasticated frilled cuffs and frilled cross-over neckline. Attached to back shoulders is a pleated waist-length cape with frilled edge; the frill continues over the shoulder and arounb the armhole. Over the midriff is a large round-sided triangle in cyclamen chiffon, decorated with a stylized floral design in tiny beads, pearls, and sequins, from base corners of which hang strimgs of bugle beads, minute gold flowers and gold drops, caught up into tiny loops. The neck and front edge around the triangle is edged with narrow gold lurex braid. The blouse fastens with press studs behind the decorative triangle.
Dimensions
  • Collar to hem length: 70cm
  • Across shoulders width: 45cm
  • On hanger with s.731 b 1983 weight: 0.3kg
Production typeUnique
Marks and inscriptions
' Bill Gibb / Internationl ' (Trade Label)
Object history
Costume probably worn by Jennie Linden in the musical 'This Thing Called Love' performed at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury, September 1982. The music and lyrics were compiled by David Kernan & John Moffat from various authors and composers, and the show was produced by Wendy Toye. The costume were designed by Bill Gibb using silk presented by the European Commission for the Promotion of Silk.
Production
Reason For Production: Commission
Literary referenceThis Thing Called Love
Collection
Accession number
S.731-1983

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Record createdAugust 24, 2004
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