Fashions 1837-1887
In the back of this catalogue from Queen Victoria’s milliner, a disclaimer confirms that no British songbirds were sacrificed for its production. Nevertheless, a flock of hats in fine feather fills this page spread, flaunting designs fit for the royal family. The deluxe volume is illustrated with woodburytypes, an early photomechanical process with a rich tonal range to register varied velvets, silks, straws, and plumes. Hatstands and supports have been edited out of these images to suspend the specimens midair. Surreal to modern eyes, the effect accentuates the hats’ commodity status and implies inventory soaring out of stock.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fashions 1837-1887
- Author: William Charles Brown (British, active late 19th century)
- Date: 1888
- Medium: Woodburytypes
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 17 cm (8 7/8 x 6 11/16 in.)
Approx. 9 x 14 in. open - Classification: Books
- Credit Line: Joyce F. Menschel Photography Library Fund, 2011
- Object Number: 2011.190 (1–4)
- Curatorial Department: Photographs
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William Charles Brown
ca. 1870
William Charles Brown
1888
William Charles Brown
1888
William Charles Brown
1888
William Charles Brown
1888
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