Interpreting Mourning at The Mariners' Museum

[reine_de_coudre]

Longtime readers and friends might know that I have an obsession professional interest in studying 1860s mourning clothing. I first presented on the topic at the millinery symposium at Colonial Williamsburg in 2014, and have been continuing my research in my "spare" time. I was thrilled when I was asked to present again at The Mariners' Museum's

Comments

[starlightmasque]

This was a lovely post-- thanks!

[reine_de_coudre]

i'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[nuranar]

How splendid! This looks like such a wonderful opportunity. I know you've been researching this for years; I'm really looking forward to your article. Is that *real* mourning crape? It looks really good. I've been wondering what the most-accessible substitute is.

[reine_de_coudre]

thank you! i used "crinkle crepe" from thai silks, which is the closest substitute i've ever found, short of the real thing. i know pamela robles uses it, and i think it's the "accepted" substitute on the sewing academy (FWIW). it's very similar to the crape on an original 19-teens mourning dress i own, and to an 1870s mourning bonnet i've examined. it really is *black* although it looks grey in the bonnet picture!

[chocolatepot]

That sounds like a really great lecture/display! I hope I get to see it in person someday.