Historical information

These dressmaker hem measures were widely used universally from the mid-nineteenth century both commercially and domestically. They were used to enable the dressmaker to carefully measure and height of a hemline to ensure they were even. This implement became particularly important with changing fashions which saw the rising hemlines. The measure could also be used when completing home furnishing tasks check regular and even length of curtains.

The Dean Tape Measure company was started by Edward Dean in 1850. He started working with his father who was a carpenter making builder's measures and then became a "measure maker". The company was taken over by Stanley in the 1980s. The production of Dean brand tape measures ceased in 1989.

Significance

These items are significant because they were widely used for domestic and commercial use from the 1850s onwards.

Physical description

Three measures on varying size bases. The two measures with circular bases include a pin cushion or receptacle for pins. The measure on the rectangular base has been home-made.

Inscriptions & markings

On tape - DEAN - MADE IN ENGLAND