Bonnet - Victorian era mourning
Production date
1885
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Object detail
Description
Bonnet, made of black velvet, decorated with ostrich feathers, fastens at neckline with two silk-satin ribbon ties. Dated from Victorian Fashions and Costumes from Harper's Bazaar 1867-1898, ed. Stella Blum, Dover Publications, New York, 1974.
Classification
COSTUME woman
COSTUME Mourning woman
COSTUME Mourning woman
Production date
1885
Measurements
Internal height 160 x Lower width 200
Media/Materials description
velvet, plush, feathers, silk
History and use
This bonnet is an example of mourning attire that was fashionable in the early 20th century, when Victorian mourning rituals were still the norm in Western Europe and within the European population in Australia. There were strict rules about dress, behaviour and the length of mourning. As the First World War progressed these rituals were reshaped by an expectation that mourners display their pride rather than their sorrow for their loved one’s sacrifice. While many people still wore their good black dress to any service or funeral, women in particular were encouraged to not wear black for an extended period, as it was believed that the number of widows wearing black would harm the community attitude to the war effort and recruitment.
Registration number
H1632
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