The barely visible decoration at the ankles is done by transfer stitches. According to a label of 1851 they are "5 thread, 34 gauge hose, made in the year 1790, cotton spun by Sir R Arkwright." Sir Richard Arkwright (1732 - 1792) invented a…

White cotton knitted on a hand frame in a lace pattern. ID Number: L-C-569-1977

Women's stocking knitted in very fine white cotton with worked clocks. Knitted into the welt is a crown above NATIONAL EXHIBITION 1851 WARD & CO MANUFACTURERS. This is probably Ward, Sturt, Sharp & Ward of Belper, whose entry in the…

A woman's stockings of white cotton and pale pink silk. The tops, which would not be at all visible, are made of cotton, and the ankles and feet are made of silk, although the heels and toes are plated with cotton for wear. The stockings have…

Made of fine white cotton on a 60 gauge stocking frame. The heel, toe and English foot are made of thicker cotton. The barely noticeable clocks are of transfer stitch lozenges within a narrow inverted V of dashes with another lozenge at the point.…

Pair of men's black cotton underpants. The front panel and waist are lined with cotton sateen, crotch seam reinforced with cotton tape. High back waist, adjustable, 4 buttons at front, 4 buttons at each ankle. ID Number: L-C-582-1961-156

A man's vest in a peach cotton and white silk (or rayon) mixture. It is made in one main piece with no shoulder seams. The flap made by the semicircular cut for the neck is stitched down as a facing. The front opening is faced with cotton sateen and…

One complete corset and 6 sets of corset panels with 'fashioning' marks. Pink Cotton with steel zip and buckles. ID Number: DBMYU 1982-598/2

A pair of woman's white cotton interlock combinations called by the manufacturer 'step-ins'. The front and the knickers back up to the waist are cut out of one piece with holes for legs. The back of the top tucks into the back of the knickers. Back…

Ball of knitting cotton marked 'Strutt's / two ounces, 3 threads, shade 28, no.8'. ID Number: DBMYU 1996-24