Image Not Available

Women's cotton bodice forming part of a day dress

Datelate 19th Century

Object number00018360

NameBodice

MediumCotton

DimensionsOverall: 560 x 290 mm, 0.15 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

bodice

DescriptionThis plain weave cotton bodice forms part of a women's day dress, and would have been worn with a skirt (see 00018361) and sash (see 00018338). The design features a broderie anglaise trim at the high neck, wrists and square yoke, lace detailing on the shoulder, vertical pin tucking at the yoke with further pin tucking at the shoulder, and gathering across the bust and at the wrists. The bodice fastens at the back with 15 clips, and has cotton straps sewn onto the front that attach to the skirt. HistoryBy the turn of the 19th century a tourist industry had been established around the seaside. This was encouraged by improved transportation to the beaches, as well as the greater spending power of most workers and changed working conditions that allowed more pleasure time. The beach had become a site of recuperation, recreation and leisure, with women taking up the fashionable pursuit of promenading along the shore. Women often wore white cotton sun dresses decorated with sashes, and accessorised with veils and hats that used to protect women from the sun during an era when pale skin was equated with the upper classes. Broderie Anglaise is a whitework needlework technique that incorporates features of embroidery, cutwork and needle lace that arose in England during the first half of the 19th century. SignificanceThe bodice is representative of women's leisure wear fashions, worn by members of the middle classes during the Edwardian period.