Thomson's Paris Prize
Cage Crinoline
1860-1870 (made)
1860-1870 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The word 'crinoline' was first used in the 1840s, to describe petticoats lined with horsehair cloth to help support the fashionable voluminous skirt. By 1856, ever-widening skirts meant the weight of these petticoats became very uncomfortable. Various designs attempted to solve this problem.
The 'artificial' or 'cage' crinoline appeared in 1857 as a welcome and practical solution. It was made of spring steel hoops that increased in diameter towards the bottom and were connected with tapes. There was a huge variety of different crinoline styles on the market.
Although crinolines were light, women often found them cumbersome and restrictive. Devices were invented to make sitting down easy. Sometimes the hoops even had hinges to make it easier for women to go through doorways and up stairs.
The 'artificial' or 'cage' crinoline appeared in 1857 as a welcome and practical solution. It was made of spring steel hoops that increased in diameter towards the bottom and were connected with tapes. There was a huge variety of different crinoline styles on the market.
Although crinolines were light, women often found them cumbersome and restrictive. Devices were invented to make sitting down easy. Sometimes the hoops even had hinges to make it easier for women to go through doorways and up stairs.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Thomson's Paris Prize (manufacturer's title) |
| Materials and techniques | Worsted wool, with spring steel |
| Brief description | Funnel-shaped crinoline cage, designed and made by W.S. & E.H. Thomson, Great Britain, 1860-1870 |
| Physical description | Funnel-shaped crinoline cage composed of spring steel graduated hoops suspended with red worsted wool tapes. Fastened in front with a hook and eye (a later addition). |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Object history | Has probably been altered for theatrical use. |
| Summary | The word 'crinoline' was first used in the 1840s, to describe petticoats lined with horsehair cloth to help support the fashionable voluminous skirt. By 1856, ever-widening skirts meant the weight of these petticoats became very uncomfortable. Various designs attempted to solve this problem. The 'artificial' or 'cage' crinoline appeared in 1857 as a welcome and practical solution. It was made of spring steel hoops that increased in diameter towards the bottom and were connected with tapes. There was a huge variety of different crinoline styles on the market. Although crinolines were light, women often found them cumbersome and restrictive. Devices were invented to make sitting down easy. Sometimes the hoops even had hinges to make it easier for women to go through doorways and up stairs. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.45-2005 |
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| Record created | May 23, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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