Stays
Date1760-1780
OriginEngland
MediumLeather and Leather Laces
DimensionsWaist (approximately): 20"; Chest: 22 5/8"; Length: 10 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1993-329
DescriptionLeather stays or corset for adolescent, made in four separate sections with lacing holes at the front, back and sides. Stays are made of heavy brown leather, scored with lines suggesting boning. Punched holes in rows at back and front. Tabs at waistline. Remnants of leather thong laces, and replacement linen laces.Label TextStays
Britain, 1760-1780
Leather
1993-329
Some poor women and children wore inexpensive leather stays instead of expensive boned stays. This pair is sized to fit a child with a waist of 20 inches and a chest of 23 inches. To help the stiff material conform somewhat to the body, the leather was scored following similar lines as hand-stitched stays.
