Lots of thank-you's!

I have now managed to put emails, photos and cards together so that I know exactly who sent what.

Thank you Henriette for the beautiful 1950's cotton pique corset/bodice. I think this fascinating garment was made to be worn as a bodice, perhaps with an evening skirt. The fabric and the finish are very fine and with the turn back cuff along the top edge, does not appear to correspond with other garments that were worn as foundation wear.

Thank you Anthea for these two, very contrasting donations.

This liberty bodice would probably have been designed for a teenager as it is quite large and has suspenders.

This item, also donated by Anthea, is a 60/70's 'roll on'. As the name implies, it was rolled up into position. This was a significant development as there were no bulky hooks/eyes or laces to have to deal with.

Thank you Wendy for the modern panti girdle. It must be fairly recent as it has a bar code and web address on the box. It is interesting to compare this item with an earlier item sent by Anthea.

Thank you Sally for being willing to do donate a garment that you remember wearing during the 1960's. This is a fine example of a surgical corset designed to help improve back problems. Most of the leading corsetry companies of the day produced a range of these corsets which had first been developed following WW1 when so many men needed support for their injuries.

Thank you Patricia for the corset 'bones'. These are very interesting as the introduction of flexible, steel boning meant more comfortable corsetry as they allowed a certain amount of movement. It is interesting to be able to examine these and compare their flexibility with the rigid nature of the plastic covered, solid metal boning.

Thank you Susan for donating two garments that belonged to your mother. Susan's mother worked for a corsetry company in Banbury during the 1930's, 40's and 50's. Susan believes these may have been pieces that her mother made at work.

A black and pink, lace bustier (very small size)

A black and pink, lace corset. Although the garment has elastic panels, it is quite heavy and firm with a zip fastener. Quite a contrast to the one donated by Anthea.

I have added these to the more up to date examples that I have found at car boot sales and charity shops, and now have a fascinating collection to begin work with.

I would also like to thank those of you who, unable to offer garments, showed interest and enthusiasm for this project.

I will be posting some images of my design work as it unfolds.