Bonnet
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Date1880-1885
MediumHand-stitched and machine-stitched straw, with silk ribbons, fabric flowers, machine-made laces, silk fabric for lining, and wire
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 8 3/8 x 6 3/8 x 4 1/4in. (21.3 x 16.2 x 10.8cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Leon Hart, in memory of George F. Spencer and his daughter, Martha Linsley Spencer
Object number1967.36.20
DescriptionBonnet of black braided straw machine-stitched together, decorated with laces of black and pink fabric flowers. The brim is slightly heart-shaped at the center top, which is 2 1/2 inches wide. It is entirely lined with a gather of black net lace that is stitched at both edges to the underside of the brim. The squared-off ends of the brim are slightly above the line at the back of the neck. The outer edge of the brim is bound with a braid of black straw, which continues around the bottom at the back. The crown is approximately 2 5/8 inches deep at the center top. The oval shaped back is 4 3/4 inches wide and 7 1/4 inches in height. The intersection between crown and brim is decorated with a confection of black machine-made lace and pink fabric flowers. The base of the crown is decorated with bows of silk ribbon, 2 1/2 inches wide. These two bows become the ties for the bonnet. Each is folded and attached at the front corners of the brim before extending out 25 inches. Each is cut at a diagonal at the end. This ribbon has a combination of asymmetrical stripes in satin and faille weaves. The crown is lined with a light black silk in two pieces. One is stitched around the inner edge of the brim and drawn up over a circular piece at the back. The frame of the bonnet is made of layers of heavily starched, open-woven fabric. Wire is used to shape and support the edge all around.
Status
Not on view
