Anne Ramsbottom
Presenting her material with authority, liveliness and enthusiasm Anne provided a summary of how female costume has changed since the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
Her talk was supported by a well chosen range of images. She showed us how what was worn could tell us much about social history, the power and influence of who was wearing the costume as well as about what was fashionable or unfashionable at the time.
Anne Ramsbottom is a collector of historic costume and she was able to tell us something about the market for historic costume. At present for example Victorian dresses are difficult to obtain.
A special feature of the evening was that she had brought along a selection of items from her own varied collection. Introducing each item in turn she explained and showed how style and materials have changed. She moved among the audience with her samples which were also on display on mannequins after the talk for members and guests to examine in detail.
We saw silks, satins, lace, velvet and beautiful jet and beading. It was explained that the elegant and flowing lines of some costumes often hid uncomfortable undergarments and corsetry. Some items like the bustle – a metal or whalebone framework to expand the skirt – were a challenge to females sitting down then keeping their composure when seated. The aptly named long ‘hobble dress’ with a narrow hemline dating from about 1910 to 1914 made movement and walking difficult. Even the looser geometric shapes of the 1920’s when ankles were on show decorated the human body rather than fitted it.
Foreign influences were also important. In the 1920s for example costumes and styles Egyptian were fashionable. In the 1950s the new look was introduced and celebrities and the Cinema played a part in shaping costume design.
This entertaining evening was a reminder of costume trends over time. It was also a reminder of what a loss to Dumfries and Galloway was the closure of Shambellie House Museum of costume.
The next meeting of the Society will be held on February 12 when John Sproat will give an illustrated talk on J and R Wallace, the former Foundry, and his family connection to the business.