Stays
Date1770-1780
OriginEurope, France or Spain
MediumSilk brocade with silk and metal threads (Ground Fabric); Silver Metallic Threads (Construction); Silk Threads (Construction); Baleen (Boning); Linen, Leather (Lining); Metallic Braid (Trim and Edging); Silk Tape (Edging of Flaps); Paper (Used for structure at edge of back closure)
DimensionsWaist: 22"; Length (at center front): 14 3/4"; Bust (approximately): 30"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1986-111
DescriptionA pair of stays covered with brocaded silk in floral and vine motifs of green, pinks, reds, and whites and meandering ribbon pattern in silver, channels stitched with silver gilt thread and bound and trimmed with metallic braid. Stays have eyelets for lacing running the length of the front and back with the front eyelets concealed behind inner boned extensions. The eyelets at the back are finished in yellow silk thread while the front eyelets are finished in white. At each breast is a square-shaped flap bound in white silk, possibly a later alteration. Stays have shoulder straps which extend from the front and the back, joining at the top of the shoulder. The waist tabs are backed with leather. Linen lining is pieced and overlaps the leather lining of the waist tabs.Construction History:
1. 1765: Construction of the textile
2. 1775-1790: Construction of the stays
3. Contemporary Alteration: Original linen lining has been cut out around the edges and a replacement linen lining was then added
4. Likely a Contemporary Alteration: Thick linen with a heavy baleen edging and eyelets edged in white thread added to front of bodice. The front of the stays were cut open and turned under at the edge and used to conceal the new front lacing addition.
4. Unknown Date: Small flaps added at bodice and edged in white silk.
