Historical information
This handmade women’s pair of bloomers, or drawers, features hand-worked Broderie Anglaise and applique trim and a drawstring rear closure at the waist. It is one of seven handmade items of white cotton underwear, all made with beautiful needlework and embroidery skill. The lingerie once belonged to the donor’s great-grandmother’s family, the Paton family of ‘Trefnant’, Yangery, in southwest Victoria.
Significance
The collection of women’s late-19th-century undergarments is an example of clothing that women would include in their wardrobes. The garments add to the study of the evolution of women's fashions and practicality for the early Australian settlers. The fine linen fabric and the careful needlework in these handmade garments and hand-worked lace trims reflect the maker’s dedication to making even serviceable garments beautiful to look at and wear.
Physical description
Women's bloomers or drawers, handmade from white cotton fabric, with hand-worked Broderie-Anglaise trim around the bottom of legs with applique motifs. Bloomers have a drawstring, back of waist closure.
Subjects
- flagstaff hill maritime museum and village,
- maritime museum,
- maritime village,
- warrnambool,
- great ocean road,
- southwest victoria,
- victorian era,
- women’s underwear,
- ladies’ underwear,
- undergarment,
- under-structure,
- 1900s undergarments,
- 19th-century undergarment,
- women’s clothing,
- women’s fashion,
- lingerie,
- 19th century,
- handmade clothing,
- broderie anglaise,
- hand-made broderie anglaise,
- paton family,
- trefnant,
- yangery,
- bloomers,
- drawers,
- underpants
