Wig Block
20th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Solid wig block used by a theatrical wigmaker, wood, probably 20th century.
A wig block is an essential tool for a wigmaker, and different sizes are needed depending on the head size of the wearer. The wig foundation, made nowadays of nylon net, is stretched onto the block and attached with metal pins known as 'points'. The net remains on the block while the wigmaker threads or 'knots' each hair individually into it, gradually creating the full wig. The weight of the block is important for stability and ease while the wig is created and dressed. This block is one of a group of four presented to the museum by Wig Creations. Its style indicates it is not as old as the other three which may have been acquired by Stanley Hall, the founder of Wig Creations, from a sale of the effects of the Victorian wigmakers Gustave's, although the precise provenance is unknown.
A wig block is an essential tool for a wigmaker, and different sizes are needed depending on the head size of the wearer. The wig foundation, made nowadays of nylon net, is stretched onto the block and attached with metal pins known as 'points'. The net remains on the block while the wigmaker threads or 'knots' each hair individually into it, gradually creating the full wig. The weight of the block is important for stability and ease while the wig is created and dressed. This block is one of a group of four presented to the museum by Wig Creations. Its style indicates it is not as old as the other three which may have been acquired by Stanley Hall, the founder of Wig Creations, from a sale of the effects of the Victorian wigmakers Gustave's, although the precise provenance is unknown.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved wood |
| Brief description | Solid wig block used by a theatrical wigmaker, wood, probably 20th century |
| Physical description | Solid wooden wig block with split across the top of the head and the size 22½ incised on one side of the neck. The base is carved with a recess to attach it to a wig stand for dressing and the neck has holes from the pins used to attach the foundations to the block. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Wig Creations |
| Summary | Solid wig block used by a theatrical wigmaker, wood, probably 20th century. A wig block is an essential tool for a wigmaker, and different sizes are needed depending on the head size of the wearer. The wig foundation, made nowadays of nylon net, is stretched onto the block and attached with metal pins known as 'points'. The net remains on the block while the wigmaker threads or 'knots' each hair individually into it, gradually creating the full wig. The weight of the block is important for stability and ease while the wig is created and dressed. This block is one of a group of four presented to the museum by Wig Creations. Its style indicates it is not as old as the other three which may have been acquired by Stanley Hall, the founder of Wig Creations, from a sale of the effects of the Victorian wigmakers Gustave's, although the precise provenance is unknown. |
| Associated objects | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.432-2014 |
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| Record created | February 6, 2014 |
| Record URL |
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