BODICE: BLACK BONED TOP WITH LACE AND BEAD EMBROIDERERY

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c. 1900 - 1926

Subcollections

Overview

Hand and machine stitched bodice with black lace and beadwork. Black silk damask fabric with floral print.

The bodice is stiffened with whale bone that has been hand stitched inside the casings and to the inner seam. There are twelve pieces of whalebone in this bodice which was common at the time in Europe. The bodice fastens at the front with two sets of hook and eye closures.
Full length sleeves puff at the shoulder to the elbow and then tight to the wrist. There is sequin and beaded lace at the wrist. There are two panels of black sequin and bead floral needle lace down the chest. High collar is of black needle lace with rose design. The embellishment lace has been hand stitched down to the outer layer. There are three pleats of fabric around the waist. Back has three hand made rosettes at the centre shoulder line and two at the centre waistline. Beading covers to mid shoulder.
The centre back finishes at a deep V which draws the eye to the waistline. There are three pleats of fabric around the waist which act to draw the waist in for the hourglass silhouette as well as working like a sash or cummerbund.

Historical information

Dress belonged to Abrilda McKennay of 268 Onslow Road Shenton Park.
Donated by Great Grand-daughter.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-43-2022.109.1

Item type

Material

Contextual Information

A two-piece dress owned by Abrilda McKennay of Onslow Road Shenton Park.
Abrilda McKennay nee Hancock was born 23.4.1878 Moonta South Australia and died 23.8.1962, Como, Western Australia. Married William McKennay in 20.2.1901 Broken Hill, NSW. William born 27.11.1878 Kupunda South Australian, died 9.4.1926 Perth, Western Australia. They had three children. William (born 1902), Samuel and Mary. This dress was donated by Abrilda’s Great Grand-daughter.

The skirt and bodice are made of a black floral silk damask. It appears to be machine made with hand stitched embellishments and structures.
The bodice is stiffened with whale bone that has been hand stitched inside the casings and to the inner seam. There are twelve pieces of whalebone in this bodice which was common at the time in Europe. This would have been a very stiff, structured dress to wear, whereas we often see less boning in Edwardian dresses in WA.
The bodice fastens at the front with two sets of hook and eye closures. These were common in the outer layer of dresses before zippers were invented. Laces were less common by the Victorian and Edwardian period.
The puff sleeves were the fashion at the time – known as Leg of Mutton sleeve. They puff out at the top but become close fitting at the elbow with beaded lace at the wrist.
There are two panels of black sequins and beaded floral needle lace down the chest. High collar is of black needle lace with rose design - gives the high neckline which was common in Victorian and early Edwardian style.

This dress has many of the elements of the early 1900s dresses from the Edwardian style but might have been worn by Abrilda after the death of her husband in 1926.

Keywords

MCKENNAY (nee Hancock), Abrilda

Onslow Road, Shenton Park

Costume/fashion

Year

c. 1900 - 1926

Statement of significance

Bodice from two part handmade funeral dress, worn by local resident.
Aesthetic:
Historic:
Social:
Rarity:

Primary significance criteria

Artistic or aesthetic significance

Historic significance

Social or spiritual significance