Bonnet thumbnail 1
Bonnet thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Bonnet

1825-1830 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The lightweight fabric and upturned, semi-circular brim of this fashionable bonnet are typical of the late 1820s. During this period, many bonnets were unlined and cane was frequently used to shape the brim and crown. This example is trimmed with a single bow at the back of the crown, but would originally have had wide ribbon ties and probably more bows at the base of the brim. All fashionable headwear had to accommodate and accentuate the latest hairstyle. In this bonnet, the upturned brim sat behind a fashionable row of curls on the brow, and the bonnet crown covered the rest of the hair gathered into a bun at the back of the head.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk, cane, hand-sewn
Brief description
Bonnet, 1825-1830, British; Pale blue silk mounted on cane
Physical description
A bonnet of blue silk taffeta, unlined, the crown and brimmed shaped with inserted cane. Trimmed with a bow of blue silk taffeta at the back and top of the crown. The brim is semi-circular in shape and turns upward.
Dimensions
  • Approx. depth: 23.0cm
  • Approx. width: 33.5cm
  • Approx height: 34.0cm
Credit line
Given by C. L. Floris, Esq. in memory of the late Mrs E. J. Floris
Summary
The lightweight fabric and upturned, semi-circular brim of this fashionable bonnet are typical of the late 1820s. During this period, many bonnets were unlined and cane was frequently used to shape the brim and crown. This example is trimmed with a single bow at the back of the crown, but would originally have had wide ribbon ties and probably more bows at the base of the brim. All fashionable headwear had to accommodate and accentuate the latest hairstyle. In this bonnet, the upturned brim sat behind a fashionable row of curls on the brow, and the bonnet crown covered the rest of the hair gathered into a bun at the back of the head.
Collection
Accession number
T.76-1923

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Record createdMay 22, 2007
Record URL
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