Wig Block
19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Wig block made in two halves stapled together, used by a theatrical wigmaker, wood, probably 19th century.
A wig block is an essential tool for a wigmaker, and different sizes are needed depending on the head size of the wearer. The wig foundation, made nowadays of nylon net, is stretched onto the block and attached with metal pins known as 'points'. The foundation remains on the block while the wigmaker threads or 'knots' each hair individually into it, gradually creating the full wig. The weight of the block is important for stability and ease while the wig is made and dressed. This block, one of a group of four presented to the museum, may well have been acquired by Stanley Hall, the founder of Wig Creations, from a sale of the effects of the Victorian wigmakers Gustave's, although the precise provenance is unknown.
A wig block is an essential tool for a wigmaker, and different sizes are needed depending on the head size of the wearer. The wig foundation, made nowadays of nylon net, is stretched onto the block and attached with metal pins known as 'points'. The foundation remains on the block while the wigmaker threads or 'knots' each hair individually into it, gradually creating the full wig. The weight of the block is important for stability and ease while the wig is made and dressed. This block, one of a group of four presented to the museum, may well have been acquired by Stanley Hall, the founder of Wig Creations, from a sale of the effects of the Victorian wigmakers Gustave's, although the precise provenance is unknown.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved wood |
| Brief description | Wig block made in two halves stapled together, used by a theatrical wigmaker, wood, probably 19th century |
| Physical description | Wooden wig block made in two halves stapled together with heavy metal staples, one of which is missing. The lower front section is carved flat to represent the direction of the face, and the position of the ears and the size 22 are incised into the wood. The base is carved with a recess to attach it to a wig stand for dressing. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Wig Creations |
| Summary | Wig block made in two halves stapled together, used by a theatrical wigmaker, wood, probably 19th century. A wig block is an essential tool for a wigmaker, and different sizes are needed depending on the head size of the wearer. The wig foundation, made nowadays of nylon net, is stretched onto the block and attached with metal pins known as 'points'. The foundation remains on the block while the wigmaker threads or 'knots' each hair individually into it, gradually creating the full wig. The weight of the block is important for stability and ease while the wig is made and dressed. This block, one of a group of four presented to the museum, may well have been acquired by Stanley Hall, the founder of Wig Creations, from a sale of the effects of the Victorian wigmakers Gustave's, although the precise provenance is unknown. |
| Associated objects | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.433-2014 |
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| Record created | February 6, 2014 |
| Record URL |
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