Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
BE2001.1.317 |
Object Name |
Petticoat |
Description |
A red quilted petticoat with seven quilted horizontal channels filled with down feathers. It has a white/yellow lace at the top to tie the waist. There is a blue rectangular tag sewn on the inside marked in black ink that reads 'McLintock's purified Russian down petticoat No. 9 38 inches'. The tag looks to be marked in handwritten ink with the following: 'Mrs. Se (?)'. A small cotton loop is found sewn onto this tag that might have been used to attach a bustle. |
Year Range from |
1850 |
Year Range to |
1860 |
Artist |
McLintock and Sons of Barnsley |
Dimensions |
H-86 W-40 cm |
History |
Petticoat was most likely used by Elizabeth Molony Harris or her daughters Lucy and Bessie Harris. It was made by McLintock's of Barnsley, England. They mass-produced quilted petticoats as well as quilted pantaloons and dressing gowns. They also specialized in producing Turkey red quilts. In the later years, the petticoat's channels would become wavy and braids were used in between the channels. This petticoat was most likely made during their earlier years. Although quilted petticoats fell out of fashion by the early 1900s McLintock continued to manufacture down quilts for bedding. Petticoats were an essential piece of undergarments for women during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Women would have to wear multiple layers of petticoats to shape the skirt and make it full and fashionable. During the mid-1800s petticoats with elaborate quilting were popular and considered stylish. These 'quilted coats' resembled large quilts that were used to be worn on the body. Quilted petticoats with elaborate designs were meant to be seen when worn with a 'split skirt'. The one seen here is plain and would have not meant to be seen underneath the dress or skirt. References: The Quilters' Guild Museum Collection www.quiltmuseum.org.uk Colouring the Nation. The University of Edinburgh and the National Museums Scotland https://colouringthenation.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/week-29.pdf Colouring the Nation, National Museums Scotland http://www.nms.ac.uk/collections-research/our-research/highlights-of-previous-projects/colouring-the-nation/research/home-markets/quilted-garments-and-quilts FIDM Museum and Library, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising https://fidmmuseum.org/blog |
People |
Harris, Bessie Harris, Lucy Harris, Elizabeth Molony |