Wig Stand
1780-1800 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Stands were used to hold wigs or hats in shape while they were not being worn. Some stands had a fixed, rounded top. Others, like this one, came in two parts which could slot together or come apart to be packed for travelling.
Ownership & Use
Wigs were an essential part of a man's wardrobe for most of the 18th century. A wealthy man might own five or six wigs in different styles, which could be restyled and set by the wigmaker or barber. The majority of men had their head shaved under the wig.
Time
At the time this stand was made, the fashion for wigs was starting to decline. Young men were beginning to 'wear their own hair'. However, for older men and those in conservative occupations, such as lawyers, doctors and clergymen, wigs continued to be worn into the 19th century.
Stands were used to hold wigs or hats in shape while they were not being worn. Some stands had a fixed, rounded top. Others, like this one, came in two parts which could slot together or come apart to be packed for travelling.
Ownership & Use
Wigs were an essential part of a man's wardrobe for most of the 18th century. A wealthy man might own five or six wigs in different styles, which could be restyled and set by the wigmaker or barber. The majority of men had their head shaved under the wig.
Time
At the time this stand was made, the fashion for wigs was starting to decline. Young men were beginning to 'wear their own hair'. However, for older men and those in conservative occupations, such as lawyers, doctors and clergymen, wigs continued to be worn into the 19th century.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | Wig stand, English, 1780-1800, mahogany |
| Physical description | Mahogany wig stand made in two pieces to take apart for travelling. Each piece is flat with a semi-circular head and spreading feet at the base. The shaft of each is slotted for half its length, so that when the two are fixed together they are at right angles to each other. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Mrs M. Gann |
| Summary | Object Type Stands were used to hold wigs or hats in shape while they were not being worn. Some stands had a fixed, rounded top. Others, like this one, came in two parts which could slot together or come apart to be packed for travelling. Ownership & Use Wigs were an essential part of a man's wardrobe for most of the 18th century. A wealthy man might own five or six wigs in different styles, which could be restyled and set by the wigmaker or barber. The majority of men had their head shaved under the wig. Time At the time this stand was made, the fashion for wigs was starting to decline. Young men were beginning to 'wear their own hair'. However, for older men and those in conservative occupations, such as lawyers, doctors and clergymen, wigs continued to be worn into the 19th century. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.22-1939 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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