Hampshire County Museum Services Costume Collection in Winchester

Again the 19th Century Cutting on the Stand project have been very privaliged to be able to go to the Hampshire County Museum Services Costume Collection in Winchester. The Curator had taken out various items for us to look though including dresses from mid to late 19th century, corsets, crins and bodices.The Curator also went off to get us different books to look though which she recomended. The Curator was very helpful and answered all our questions with alot of care for the subject.

I learnt about all the different types of corsets and bodices. And learnt about various interesting facts. For example while looking though the MODiP we found that a bodice had a cut in the button stand. We were unsure if maybe this was because the garment had been riped. I asked the Curator about this when a bodice came out that also had this small cut at the front of the button stand. She said that the reason behind this small cut is for a pocket watch on a chain.


Please see below for a selection of images from my visit.

This early 1830's corset was really interesting because i did not think that they looked this simple.

Looking at different crinolines was really interesting to see how different types can create such different silhouettes.

This was really interesting becuase the dress is so well and carfully made by both hand and machine stitches but the buttons have been sewn on so badly.

I learnt so much from this showing of the collection and found it really interesting not just for my studies but in my fascination of history and costumes.