Skirt
Maker & role
Unknown, Maker
Production date
1905-1920
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Object detail
Production place
Collection
Measurements
0 - Whole, H: 98 x W: 90cm (H: 980 x W: 900mm)
Production notes
The skirt appears to be ankle length dropping from a high waistline. The bodice may well have deteriorated beyond repair. The two seams are likely to have been made at different times since one is in brown hand stitching and the other black chainstitch which looks original. This could be on account of a large tear. Chantilly lace has been popular for so many years that it is understandable that it was kept to be transformed into another outfit.
Credit line
Purchase, 1985
Meroogal Collection, Museums of History New South Wales
Meroogal Collection, Museums of History New South Wales
Description
Chantilly lace never goes out of fashion and this may be why this beautiful skirt was unpicked and kept by Aunt Effie Thorburn (d1945) to be transformed into another outfit. Black Chantilly is often very frail. The dye from this period often degraded fibres, particularly silk. The original layered garment would have been expensive and admired but the bodice may have torn or become too tight and been disgarded as it is no longer at Meroogal. Layering of lace and chiffon was very popular at this time with a hint of flesh peeping through here and there. Remnants of stitching suggest this may have had more than one remake already. It is a testament to the resourceful women of Meroogal.
Accession number
M86/828
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