Wig Block
19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Solid wig block 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 (the 'base') 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 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 (the 'base') 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 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 | Solid wig block used by a theatrical wigmaker, wood, probably 19th century |
| Physical description | Solid wooden wig block wrapped with tape around the wig base line and at the forehead, probably to protect a delicate base from contact with the wood, and inscribed with the size 21¼. The front features a flat section to denote the direction of the face. The base of the block 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 | Solid wig block 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 (the 'base') 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 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.434-2014 |
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| Record created | February 6, 2014 |
| Record URL |
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