Description:
Woman's pair of front-opening stays. Stays, or corsets, were originally constructed in pairs, fastening both front and back. By the 18th century, however, there was often just one closure, but the reference to "pairs" remained in use. This pair's lighter weight, streamlined shape, and deep front and back points, all firmly anchor it to the 1780s. Tabs constructed on the lower edge help spread the foundation garment evenly over the wearer's hips for a neater (and more comfortable) appearance when worn under a gown or jacket. The front lacing is a nod to practicality, making it easier to lace oneself inside, rather than needing some possible help from a household member. This aspect, combined with the lighter weight, may indicate these were worn for riding, or perhaps a summer set of stays. The stays are from the collection of Helen Larson, a collector and costumer based in Los Angeles, who was a friend of English collector Doris Langley Moore, who founded the Museum of Costume in Bath, now the Fashion Museum. Stays were accompanied by a handwritten note (ink on paper) declaring "Grand Mothers Stays/ Her name was Anne Love/ She married Jesse Walton when/ She as 17 years old. / She died in 1835 aged 80 years." The stays measure 12.5" long at the center back (CB); 10.5" long center front (CF).
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2018.16.2 |
