Clothing. Deep cream silk centre piece, with scalloped edges - 18 cm x 16 cm. (Scallops 6.5 cm wide). Cream linen bobbin lace - (probably Brussells Lace) surrounds the silk-9cms deep at each corner, 3.5 cms deep at the sides. Fan shapes woven in the lace, emphasize the scalloped centrepiece. Flowers as in 11414.26 and 11414.30a and b, would suggest that this lace has been made by the same maker. Silk centrepiece is damaged, with some splitting of fabric.costume accessories, female, dark cream silk and lace handkerchief

Clothing. Cotton crotched edging 6 cms wide. What appears to be the two armhole edgings - 6 cms wide, are joined by what may have been yoke inserts, or neckline edging. However the width of this panel -38 cms, does seem extremely wide. This joining panel-all crocheted in one piece, has an opening edge at what was possibly the back of the garment, Circular motifs, 2.5 cm in diameter, have plain border on the inner edge, and a more decorative edging, 2.5 cm wide on the outer edge. No evidence of fastenings.costume accessories, female, lace sleeve edging.

Clothing. Cream silk shawl, with elaborate silk floral embroidery at each end, and finished with a 12 cm deep. silk hand-knotted fringe at each end. Edges are hand-rolled and hand- stitched. Single floral embroideries are spaced across the body of the shawl, in rows of three embroideries.costume, female, silk embroidered shawl

Clothing. Waist band 10 cms deep at side seams, dipping to a 16cm peak at centre front, and 15 cm deep at centre back. A plackett on the left hand side fastens with two metal press-studs, and a metal hook (probably a metal or cotton stitched eye, but this area has been damaged, and no eye is visible). Elastic now perished, in casing at lower leg. An 8 cm long dart from the waistband lower edge, on the right hand side seam.costume, female, silk bloomers

Clothing. Black nylon, bracelet length gloves. Two x 1 cm wide panels of lace are in-set just above the wrist, on the upper side of the glove.DENTS ALL NYLON 72 MADE IN HONG KONG. (Label inside left glove).costume accessories, female, ladies black nylon gloves

Clothing. All-over beading means that this is quite a heavy little bag. Rectangular in shape with rounded corners on the bottom, and diagonally cut at the top corners, the bag has a zipper closure, a small 5 cm long beaded loop attaches to the zipper for ease of opening and closing. Lined with cream satin, there is an 11 cm long pocket in one side, containing a small mirror (7.5 x 5 cms). A small piece of confetti may indicate that this bag was used at Aileen and John's marriage. Beads cover the entire bag - on the front they are sewn in a swirling looped and floral design.costume accessories, female, pearl beaded clutch bag

Clothing. Full length black silk-satin skirt, with a 4-pleat cummerbund waist sash - 10 cms deep. Two x 10 cm wide ''falls'' of satin, angled at the lower edge fall from the plackett left side, and are 51 cm long and 63 cm long at their peak. Two panels of the skirt fabric, 81 cm long and 23 cm wide are attached from the waistline at the centre front and centre back. Each panel has a beaded floral motif, 13 cmx 9.5 cm beaded with jet beads.costume, female, black silk skirt with beaded trim

Clothing. Black, crushed velvet cape with a slightly peaked turn back collar, featuring a 6 cm wide ruched panel at each side front collar. Two circular diamente buttons 2.50 cm diameter fasten the front of the circular 15 cm deep yoke. Two bound button holes fasten the buttons at the throat.costume, female, 3/4 length black velvet evening cape

Clothing. Extremely fine linen petticoat, rounded neckline with a blue satin ribbon insertion, threaded through a lace insertion. This ribbon is now badly aged and shedding and splitting. A plackett at the centre back conceals six tiny 9mm covered buttons, and machine (?) stitched button holes. The neckline is outlined with three bands of cotton lace - the first band is 4.5 cm wide, and has a 'shamrock' leaf design. The middle band is 1.5 cm wide, and has a 'twisted' design, which holds the blue ribbon insertion. The outer row is 2.5 cm wide and has a scalloped edging.costume, female, lace trimmed fine linen petticoat

Clothing. Silk-satin brocade cape with 7 cm high stand-up collar. Rounded at the hipline, and curved upward toward the centre fronts, where two 6 cm wide cream ribbon bows are attached. The hemline then falls to a steep 16 cm deep peak at the centre fronts. Four metal hooks and stitch covered metal eyelets form the closure from the high collar to the bustline. Two silk fabric loops on the inside of the opening-19 cms long, and 6.5 cm wide allow the arms to be free, and the cape to remain firmly fitted. The cape is padded and stitched internally in a diamond-shaped pattern. The back of the cape is curved and fitted at the waistline and the centre back. A large satin bow is attached 12 cm above the hemline, and sits over two box pleats 12 cm long, from waistline to the hemline.costume, female, silk cream brocade short cape

Clothing. Cream polished cotton, full length half slip petticoat. Plackett at the back, fastens with two metal hooks, and hand-stitched loops. The back features a 'crinolette', where two rows of tapes are gathered in to give volume to the back of the garment. As the crinoline started to subside at the end of the 1860's. The centre front panel features 6 angled bands of lace 4.5 cm wide and angled to form a V shape. (1) A 9.5 cm band of pleated linen gauze-like fabric, edged with a 5 cm band of linen lace. (2) A 15 cm double layered frill-top layer 2 cm wide silk like pleats, lined with linen muslin type fabric, and an under frill of polished cotton, pleated in one cm wide knife pleats. The top frill is of fine cream cotton lace. At the top edge is a 3.5 cm wide band of floral cotton lace, and adjoined at the lower edge with a 9 cm deep pleated trim of exquisite cotton "floral and swirls" lace. The top frill is 42 cm wide, and extends over the centre front panel only. A cotton covered " stiffening- possibly bamboo or whale bone, extends 31.5 cm ;long at the crinolette. An unusual 'pocket like bag' is sewn into the right side seam 14 cm below the waist. This has rounded corners, and is 8 cm wide at the top, 17.5 cm wide at the lower edge, which is then rounded slightly. Overall length of the 'pocket' is 38 cms.costume, female, crinolette full length half slip

Clothing. Elbow length, fine cream coloured kid leather gloves. Top edge is curved and is not hemmed. A plackett at the wrist is finely bound in the leather, and is 11.5 cm long. It fastens with three tiny 8 mm diameter pearl shell buttons, and bound button holes. The gloves are machine stitched, and it would appear that the long full-length side seam has been placed side by side, and then 'overlocked'. Three rows of angled stitching fans out over the back of the hand.costume accessories, female, kid leather gloves

Clothing. Light grey kid leather gloves, with a sueded 'chamois like' finish feel. A 12 cm long plackett at the wrist, fastens with three .7 mm, rounded pearl buttons. Six rows of fine machine stitching fan out across the back of the hand, giving the effect of three pin tucks. Top edge of the gloves is gently curved.costume accessories, female, light grey kid leather gloves

Clothing. Light silver grey with a 10 cm long plackett at the wrist, fastened with three domed cream coloured bakelite buttons- 6 mm diameter. Six rows of fine machine stitching, giving the effect of three pintucks, fan out across the back of the hand.The top edge of the gloves is slightly curved.61/4 WASHABLE GLOVE- GRENOBLE.Made in France 3062 (on upper side) 1629costume accessories, female, light grey kid leather gloves

Clothing. Black kid leather gloves, brushed to give a "chamois" feel. Twelve rows of machine stitching on the back of the hand fan out to give a pintucked effect.costume accessories, female, black elbow length kid leather gloves

Cream silk, cord, wound into a 7cm diameter disk, with loops and decorative pearl trimmed tassel. Matching 11400.843, there is no evidence on the evening cape that it was at one time, attached. This item may be a decorative item that was worn over the wrist, and added interest to the wearer of the cape. A ''turk's head'' woven ball'', 1.5cm diameter, and tassel head, add to this decorative item.costume accessories, female, decorative cord and pearl trimmed tassel

Black one piece ladies bathers with bra inserts and skirt front. Square neckline. White embroidered chain pattern around neckline and on straps over shoulders.Tag on Inside seam, ''Made in England'' '' All Bri Nylon'' Palmers Swimwear''.costume, female, black one piece bathers

White cotton girl's nightdress with kimono cut short sleeves. Sleeves have 1.2cm casing at hemline with 2.5cm lace trim on edge. U shaped neckline with 2.4cm casing with 2.5cm stand up gathered lace frills. Back section of nightie gathered at centre back where attached to casing on front of night dress is a centre tab of lace (6cm X 10cm) with six vertical pintucks on either side. No openings. Heavyweight cotton fabric.costume, female, white cotton girl's nightdress

Ladies white woven cotton fabric hat. Simple bowler hat shape with 4cm turned up brim. White stain ribbon around crown of hat (6cm) ending in a single bow at the back.costume accessories, female, white woven cotton fabric hat

Clothing. Long pointed sleeves, fastened with one press-stud at the wrist. Full circular skirt, lined with cream, synthetic lace type fabric. Fabric of the gown is a small floral type design,in a corded style, on a fine net backing. Sleeves are not lined. Back upper bodice has a lining in a double thread net. The sweetheart neckline is edged with a fine tulle frill. Bustline panels gathered top and bottom, and joins a peaked midriff panel, 15.5 cm deep at the centre bustline. Skirt is highly gathered to this panel, at the waistline, is a full circle and extends into a small train at the back. A small 23 cm zip on the left side seam.A KEAM Creation, Regd. Melbourne.costume, female ceremonial, ivory corded lace wedding gown

Clothing. Curved headpiece in net, on a wire frame, with an elastic cord to pass round the back of the head, to hold in place. Frame has two scallops, giving the effect of a heart shape. Frame covered in net, and decorated with waxed orange blossoms and buds, and small waxed leaves.costume, female ceremonial, wedding headpiece

Clothing. Tulle veil, with a scalloped edge, outlined with chain stitch silk embroidery. The four corners have elaborate silk, chain-stitch embroidery in a floral design. Petals of two large flowers in each corner are appliquéd silk, also outlined with the chain-stitch embroidery. From a photo supplied by the donor, it would appear that this veil was worn around the shoulders, and extending to the hipline. A very long veil was then worn over the top, and seems to be a similar length as the wedding gown train. (This veil is not in the donation to BHS).costume, female ceremonial, wedding veil

Clothing. All-over beading, means that this is quite a heavy little bag.Rectangular in shape, with rounded corners on the bottom, and diagonally cut at the top corners. The bag has a zipper closure, a small 5 cm long beaded loop, attaches to the zipper for ease of opening and closing. Lined with cream satin, there is an 11 cm long pocket in one side, containing a small mirror (7.5 cm x 5 cms). A small piece of confetti inside may, indicate that this bag was used at Aileen and John's marriage. Beads cover the entire bag - on the front, they are sewn in a swirling looped and floral design.costume, female, pearl beaded clutch bag

Clothing. A length-364 cms long of beautiful cream coloured silk satin ribbon, 4.5 cms wide, and finished with a picot hem stitched edge on each side. Possibly used as a vehicle decoration on the wedding vehicle of Aileen and John.costume, female, length of silk ribbon

Clothing. A cardboard horseshoe shape, covered in 1.3 cm wide cream textured ribbon. Ribbon is wound round the shape and stitched into position at the open ends of the horseshoe. A small sprig of waxed orange blossom, four buds, and two leaves decorate the horseshoe at the top. A 34.5 cms long loop is attached under the orange blossom, to hang from the bride's arm. this loop is fastened with a bow, just above the horse-shoe.costume, female, wedding horse shoe

Clothing. Cream ribbon, 4 cms wide, has been gathered along the edges, to cover a cardboard horse shoe shape, which is decorated with a ribbon rosette, and three waxed lily of the valley flowers.costume, female, wedding horse shoe

Clothing. This unusual jacket has a fitted ''waistcoat'' appearance, fastened by eleven 1.5 cm diameter buttons, and hand stitched button holes. A separate, shaped front then overlaps the front. This has one tiny 7.5 cm long bound breast pocket, and an 8.5 cm long bound pocket at the lower section of each front. Front panels are peaked at the lower edge and have turned back lapels at the centre front - 4 cm wide. These are held by a 1.5 cm button at the top. and taper to the top of the peaked lower edge of the fronts. The high neckline is finished with a 4 cm deep stand-up collar. Long sleeves are tapered at the wrist, and have a 4 cm long opening at the sleeve edge, trimmed with 2 buttons on each sleeve. Stand-up collar, front edges and sleeve edges are lined with brown polished cotton. Internal seams and hem are bound in brown cotton fabric. Back of jacket is shaped by six panels of fabric, nipped in at the waist with two pleats and a button trimmed tab, at the lower centre seam, giving beautiful shaping. A home - stitched garment- machine and hand stitched.costume, female, ladies fitted long sleeved jacket

Clothing. High round neckline, full length, centre front opening - rounded at the lower edge, and trimmed with two velvet covered buttons, under which is a small metal hook and eye to fasten at the waistline. Sleeves are full length, and trimmed with two fabric covered 2.5 cm buttons at the top edge of a 9.5 cm opening - this may have been a turn-back cuff, or a peaked edge. Left turn back is badly worn. The jacket is fully lined with a similar colour, nylon fabric. This is a home sewn garment.costume, female, ladies pink crushed jacket

Clothing. A ''shirt-maker'' styled ladies long-sleeved dress, with 4 mm, red/navy striped fabric. The ''straight-through'' dress has a tie-belt, 2cm wide if desired. Long 3/4 set-in sleeves are gathered into a ''turn-back'' cuff 6.5 cms wide, and fastened by two x 1.5 cm covered buttons,and two false stitched button holes. Five covered buttons and machine-stitched burtton holes in the front, from below the revere collar to below the waist.costume, female, ladies shirtmaker dress

Clothing. Three quarter length sleeves, finished on the outside with a peak, outlined with tiny pink, glass beads-13 cm long. The inner side of the sleeve has three rows of gathering 13 cm long. A peaked collar at the front neckline is also edged with tiny pink glass beads, and tapers in shape at the back opening. This opening is 56 cm long and fastens with 1.2 cm covered buttons and loops, (31 buttons in total). The back centre panel is peaked at the lower edge. Side panels are ggathered at the side seam, and also as they join the front and back centre panels. Circular skirt. A beaded floral motif is stitched to the centre front panel, midway between neck edge and waist. Centre panels extend below the waist at both front and back. An underarm ''protector panel'' under the left armhole with printed motif. Tiny glass beads, beaded flower panels. On underarm protection panel a circular shaped printed label reads: PERFECT FITTING GUARANTEED HYGENIC, REGD. ''ADMYRA''. MADE IN ENGLAND, RUBBER LINED 1585 3- DRESS SHIELDS COTTON AND RUBBER.costume, female, ladies cream synthetic fabric dress