Historical information

This delicate camisole was donated with a note enclosed stating the following : “hand embroidered cotton camisole c 1870”. However it is believed to be silk net with silk machine made lace insertions and silk hand embroidery (Lace Group Embroiderers Guild 1/3/12).The camisole came in to being in the Victorian era. The wearing of corsets to ‘improve’ body shape was mandatory and the chemise being long was considered too bulky to cover the corset. The camisole was developed being short and light and was worn over the corset and under the bodice of the outer garment. This beautiful camisole would most likely have been used under evening wear.

Significance

The Amess family owned Churchill Island from 1872 to 1929. This lace collection was owned and contributed to by four generations of Amess women

Physical description

Machine lace insertions; silk embroidery (NGV) silk net, machine embroidery (Lace Group Embroiderers Guild 1/3/12)
See photos (5)Packaged with note; "hand embroidered cotton camisole c 1870"