Not currently on display at the V&A

Crinoline

Crinoline
c.1860 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Crinoline consisting of a spring steel frame suspended from a red and white striped woven waistband. Thiis is adjustable and fastened with stamped metal hooks and metal eyelets, with a semi-circular red cotton back panel lined with white cotton and machine stitched in white, stamped 'THOMSON / THREE MEDAL WINNER'. Nine red woven woollen tapes are stitched to the waist, which support horizontal spring steels covered with braid woven wool which wrap over to fasten with a brass metal clamp in front. The outline is circular with extra fullness at the back supported by an additional, shorter tape either side of the centre back.

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Object details

Category
Object type
TitleCrinoline
Materials and techniques
Woollen tape, cotton, steel, metal eyelets and hooks
Brief description
Crinoline, red wool tape and covered steel wire, stamped 'THOMSON / THREE MEDAL WINNER', c.1860
Physical description
Crinoline consisting of a spring steel frame suspended from a red and white striped woven waistband. Thiis is adjustable and fastened with stamped metal hooks and metal eyelets, with a semi-circular red cotton back panel lined with white cotton and machine stitched in white, stamped 'THOMSON / THREE MEDAL WINNER'. Nine red woven woollen tapes are stitched to the waist, which support horizontal spring steels covered with braid woven wool which wrap over to fasten with a brass metal clamp in front. The outline is circular with extra fullness at the back supported by an additional, shorter tape either side of the centre back.
Dimensions
  • Circumference: 100cm (approximately)
Credit line
Given by Sylvia Head
Object history
In the 19th century fashion benefited from many advances in science and technology. The development of spring steel led to the invention of the ‘cage crinoline’. This frame of light, strong steel wire replaced heavy layers of petticoats, and women’s dress became even more voluminous. Although ridiculed by the press, crinolines were very popular and mass-produced in many urban centres in their thousands.
Collection
Accession number
T.20-2013

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Record createdMarch 7, 2013
Record URL
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