Underwear: The Fashion History by Alison Carter (New York: Drama, 1992)
Few things capture people's attention like a corset... even if it's empty.
I certainly wouldn't have captured anyone's attention with this bare wall, but what follows is a plan to make it a little more exciting.
I intend to draw a clothes line were victorian undergarments are pinned along it - my reference books and inspiration for this project.
Support and Seduction: A History of Corsets and Bras
by Beatrice Fontanel (New York: Abrams, 1997)
You may remember this photograph from a past Valentine's post. There's nothing like an actual photograph for accuracy.
Support and Seduction: A History of Corsets and Bras
by Beatrice Fontanel (New York: Abrams, 1997)
On my clothes line will hang a Victorian bra. The ad above shows what is probably the first sports bra. Described as perfect for the ladies who practice tennis and horseback riding, ideal to wear under light clothing and bathing suits.
Underwear: The Fashion History by Alison Carter (New York: Drama, 1992)
Also hanging, a frilly knickerbocker and chemisette.
Underwear: The Fashion History by Alison Carter (New York: Drama, 1992)
No room on the line for crinolettes and crinolines...
Underwear: The Fashion History by Alison Carter (New York: Drama, 1992)
...but black hosiery, certainly. Do click on the images to enlarge and read the descriptions - priceless.
Underwear: The Fashion History by Alison Carter (New York: Drama, 1992)
Sorry, but long-johns just did not make the cut.
Above is a rough sketch of my Victorian clothes line. I added white gloves even if they're not undies, but I bet they were always being laundered.
I cut out the pieces of garments.
I drew a scaled version of my laundry wall.
Used my cut-outs to move them around along the clothes line, to find the right positioning.
And drew the Victorian undergarments directly on to the sheet. This will be my reference guide for when I'm ready to paint them on the wall.