Physical description

Clothing. Women's black embossed silk bodice. Part of two piece set (skirt 11410.2). Stand up lace collar (7 cm) boned on either side and edged with cream coloured lace. Collar fastened at centre back with three metal hooks and eyes. Front opening left of centre fastened with eight metal hooks and cotton loops and three across the left shoulder. Crossover section at front is pin tucked below the neckline and is tapered into the waist with centre pleats. Both sides of the crossover have decorative beading along the edges. The inner layer of the bodice is fastened at centre front with 15 metal hooks and eyes - alternating directions. The bodice is shaped from the waist with 9 boned casings. The back is shaped in at the waist finishing with two U shaped tails (11cm X 8cm) with V shaped tails (4 cm X 6cm) on either side. The waistline and tails are finished with a double row of decorative black beading. At the waistline at centre back are three metal hooks to attach bodice to skirt. Long sleeves are gathered at the shoulder, shaped at the elbow tapering to the wrist. Below the wrist is a two piece cuff (13cm X 7cm) with decorative black beading. The bodice is fully lined with light brown cotton fabric with grey splash pattern. Historical Notes: This bodice and skirt belonged to Elizabeth Graydon (nee Richardson). Photograph of Elizabeth wearing this outfit (11410.3).