Physical description

White cotton corset with silk trapunto work. Busk down centre middle, separate breast double-gussets with trapunto strap in centre of each breast. Corded and quilted work down sides of corset, armholes set quite far back. Laces down the back.

Place of Origin

England (made)

Date

ca. 1825 - 1835 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown

Materials and Techniques

Cotton, silk thread, trapunto work

Dimensions

Circumference: 52 cm Waist - measured inside garment, Circumference: 71 cm Bust - measured inside garment, Circumference: 56 cm Underbust - measured inside garment, Width: 27.5 cm Across back, Length: 26.5 cm Nape-waist, Length: 50 cm Nape-hem at front, Length: 45 cm Nape-hem at back, Circumference: 75 cm Hip - measured inside garment

Descriptive line

Corset, cotton with stitching and cording, England, 1820s-1830s

Labels and date

Light control for a more natural figure

Unlike 18th century stays, this corset has gussets over the breasts and hips which allow for the natural curves of the female body.

Decorative quilting around the diaphragm supports and lifts the breasts which are separated by a broad central busk. The busk also flattens the stomach.

The wearer would have needed help to dress because the corset laces at the back.

Corset
Britain, about 1820-30
Cotton with quilting, cording and whalebone (baleen), linen interlining; replacement busk
V&A: T.57-1948

[16/04/2016-12/03/2017]

Materials

Cotton; Silk thread

Techniques

Trapunto; Hand sewing

Categories

Underwear; Fashion; Clothing; Europeana Fashion Project

Collection

Textiles and Fashion Collection