19th Century
These posts focus on garments from the 1850s to the 1890s, some of the Fashion Research Collection's oldest artifacts.
(PDF file) An 1850s Child Paisley Dress (opens in new window)
Pam Johnstone writes a short story as a creative interpretation of an object analysis exercise.
(PDF file) A Comparison of 1860s Dresses (opens in new window)
Alys Mak-Pilsworth compares an 1860s dress from the FRC to similar dresses in other collections.
(PDF file) The Arsenic Green Dress (opens in new window)
Dr. Ingrid Mida shares the results of arsenic testing on a green-pigmented dress from the late 1800s.
(PDF file) Study of a Summer Day Dress (opens in new window)
Alys Mak-Pilsworth explores a muslin day dress from the mid-19th century through analysis and drawing.
(PDF file) The Patricia Rogal Collection of Photographs (opens in new window)
Dr. Ingrid Mida reviews a large donation of photographs dating 1860-1920 that can help students understand the fashion of the time period.
(PDF file) The Celluloid Hair Comb and Its Troublesome Existence (opens in new window)
Sonali Prasad discusses the rich and troublesome history of the celluloid hair comb and the development of hair accessories.
(PDF file) The Muff (opens in new window)
By analyzing two muffs housed in the FRC, Dr. Ingrid Mida compares the differences between historical and contemporary muffs.
(PDF file) The Patricia Rogal Collection of Photographs (opens in new window)
Dr. Ingrid Mida reviews a large donation of photographs dating 1860-1920 that can help students understand the fashion of the time period.
(PDF file) The Reversible Player Sports Bustle (opens in new window)
Dr. Ingrid Mida writes about the use of wire bustles from the 1880s.
(PDF file) A Close Look at a Lady's Velveteen Jacket (opens in new window)
Jessica Oakes closely examines the construction of a purple velveteen jacket.
(PDF file) The Patricia Rogal Collection of Photographs (opens in new window)
Dr. Ingrid Mida reviews a large donation of photographs dating 1860-1920 that can help students understand the fashion of the time period.
(PDF file) A Weston and Wells Reversible Plated Bustle (opens in new window)
Christine Gow questions the practicality of a wire sports bustle and the historical context that would call for such a garment.
(PDF file) The Journey of a Chinese Robe (opens in new window)
Tori Hopgood explores the history, construction and symbolism of a late 1800s Chinese robe by comparing it to similar robes.
(PDF file) The Top Hat of E.J Lennox (opens in new window)
Through analysis and research, author Amanda Memme learns more about the original owner of a top hat from the 1890s.
(PDF file) 1890s Wedding Slippers (opens in new window)
Dr. Ingrid Mida writes about the social history behind a pair of satin wedding slippers from 1889.
(PDF file) The Patricia Rogal Collection of Photographs (opens in new window)
Dr. Ingrid Mida reviews a large donation of photographs dating 1860-1920 that can help students understand the fashion of the time period.
(PDF file) Bridalwear: Romantic Historicism in the Late 19th Century
Erin Colquhoun takes an in-depth look at bridalwear during the Victorian era while examining a delicate gown from the time period.