Victoriana – Corsetry using antique Victorian Lace
In November 2013, I was involved in an epic house sale, of an amazing lady, Vervia Todd, who had lived all her life in her large, middle class family home in the historic town of Chester-Le-Street, near Durham, where her mother and grandmother had also grown up, and who saved ‘Everything’ of any value throughout her life.
Born in 1920, Vervia grew up in a household where the ladies clothing was often fine and beautifully hand made, and little was thrown away. Her family travelled extensively while she was young and she developed a strong passion for fashion.
Losing her fiancé during the 2nd World War, her wedding dress, already made, was carefully stored away, never to be worn. Vervia remained single, living with her parents until they passed. Slender and glamorous, she enjoyed a wonderful work and social life and continued to travel through out the UK and the Continent.
In later years, when Vervia’s sight started fading, she continued to live independently, and persuaded visitors to her house not to venture up to the attic rooms for fear the stairs were unsafe. When she passed away at age 92, her house, particularly the attic rooms, unfolded as a time capsule of clothing, lingerie, hosiery, bags, millinery, shoes, even perfumes and make up. Some hosiery and lingerie was still in it’s original packaging, unworn, from the 1950’s and 1960’s. Some perfumes and make up were still in their original packaging, barely touched. All of it kept hidden from the elements, in now antique, trunks, wooden wardrobes and dressers, and so, in fantastic condition considering, with little or no deterioration.
Most fascinating for me was the huge collection of fabrics, lace and embroidery threads she had stored away, much of it, ‘like new’! I was honestly like kid in a sweet shop the first day I went up to help price everything! I tried on everything I could, from 1950’s bikinis to a heart melting 1920’s long silk floral dress, a silver 1960’s Mod dress with 1960’s knee high white patent boots, (all sadly just a tad too big for me!) to a Victorian lace blouse and Edwardian lace apron (both of which I was able to buy!).
The sale was held in Vervia’s house, and I and everyone involved felt the presence of this remarkable lady though her amazing collection of treasured belongings and comprehensive history of c20th fashion. I was lucky enough to be able to purchase a small ‘collection’ of this historic lace and fabric of my own, with the view to using it in my Corsetry and a few other items of personal historical interest.
I was also able to hold my first professional photo shoot at Vervia’s house in one of the first floor bedrooms, with a professional burlesque dancer and model, using several pieces of Vervia’s family’s antique furniture and a vintage dressing table set as the back drop.
These are the first items I’ve created using a piece of the Victorian lace. I’ve named them the Victoriana Cincher and Neck Corset. Bringing a little bit of the past into the 21st century and always in honour of Vervia and her family.
Victoriana – antique Victorian Lace Cincher and Neck Corset
Silk Dupion Waist Cincher with antique Victorian Lace, Swarovski Crystals and Ribbons.
Silk Dupion Neck Corset with antique Victorian Lace and Swarovski Crystals.
Separate hand beaded fringing using vintage beads.
I have a small quantity of this particular lace and a vast quantity of vintage black beads, which are available for commissions. Please contact me to discuss your ideas.
