Terms and conditions of use
Braces
(c. 1860)
- Medium
- cotton (canvas), wool (thread), glass (beads), steel (beads), silk (thread, grosgrain), kid leather (kidskin, tabs), metal (buckle), rubber (elastic), sinew (cord)
- Measurements
- (a-b) 80.0 × 5.5 cm (each)
- Place/s of Execution
- (England)
- Accession Number
- CT98.a-b-1982
- Department
- International Fashion and Textiles
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1982
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest - Gallery location
- Not on display
- About this work
-
The hard-wearing nature of Berlin work, and the ease with which it could be stitched, resulted in a proliferation of ornamental needlework within Victorian homes. Interiors were transformed by vivid wool-work firescreens, valances and seat covers in a range of designs that included floral imagery, favoured pets and famous paintings. Men’s wardrobes were also made over with embroidery; slippers, smoking caps and braces became popular gifts for fathers and husbands courtesy of patterns published in instructional magazines such as The Ladies’ Home Journal. Braces in particular were considered a perfect wedding gift from a bride to her fiancé.