3 August 2018

Little Black Mantle



A magnificent example of a Victorian seamstress's craft. c 1875/1880






Heavy taffeta,  festooned with jet beads, lace and braid 




Tiny in size, heavy to hold Embellished to the max








Down the spine the beads move and sparkle   
                      






No lining...don't know why...unfinished? went wrong or rotten and it was removed? 

     










One carelessly sewn repair on the sleeve...








Lovely to look at and a joy to behold






A piece from Henfield Museum that has been a huge hit in my talks this season 
Can't beat an LBM...Little Black Mantle.


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