Bathing Costume thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Bathing Costume

1938-1940 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Bathing costume made of white lastex satin. A one-piece swimming suit printed with blue ovals and circles. Modesty skirt.

The bust is gathered and the back is low cut to the waist. The straps pass from the front to the transparent plastic buttons at the back waist. Half-skirted. The top is lined with buff jersey.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Printed lastex satin, plastic, elastic, lined with jersey
Brief description
Bathing costume made of printed lastex satin, retailed by Harrods Ltd., London, 1938-1940
Physical description
Bathing costume made of white lastex satin. A one-piece swimming suit printed with blue ovals and circles. Modesty skirt.

The bust is gathered and the back is low cut to the waist. The straps pass from the front to the transparent plastic buttons at the back waist. Half-skirted. The top is lined with buff jersey.
Production typeReady to wear
Object history
RF 71/920
Group of beachwear (T.292 to 301-1971) bought at a Christies auction in April 1971. Although sold as belonging to an anonymous lady, these pieces were owned and worn by Vera, Lady Swettenham, who married Sir Frank Athelstane Swettenham (1850-1946) in 1939 after his divorce from his first wife of 60 years.

The Swettenham property lists identify this costume as having originally been purchased from Harrods, London, at a cost of £12.0.0
Collection
Accession number
T.292-1971

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Record createdSeptember 10, 2007
Record URL
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