Barber's Apron
Date1750-1775
MediumTabby cotton, block printed to form with pencil blue and overprint green.
DimensionsOW: 34" X 49 1/2" Selvage W: 34"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1951-482
DescriptionLarge flat, rectangular apron with curved cut-out for neck, printed on white cotton with central flowering tree, four clusters of flowers in corners, and a 3" floral border around all edges. Tape ties at neck.Construction History:
1. 1750 -1775: Initial Construction
2. May 20, 1954: Cleaning, repairing, restoring by Ernest LoNano for Margaret Hunter Shop.
Label TextShaving or Dressing Apron
Probably France, 1750-1775
Cotton block printed and mordant painted with pencilled blue and overprint green, marked with silk cross-stitches
1951-482
Gentlemen wore aprons to protect their clothing while getting shaved or having their wigs powdered. The block-printed textile in this example imitates more expensive Indian chintz textiles. The initials L. H., probably indicating the printing firm, were incorporated in two places during the printing. Meticulous cross-stitched initials and the number 3 are worked into one corner to help identify the owner after the apron was sent out for laundry.
MarkingsTwo partial marks within oval/square reserves in lower hem; indecipherable.
1740-1750
1740-1775
1700-1750
1750-1770
1771 (dated)
1770-1800
Ca. 1770
1770-1800
1771 (dated)
ca. 1770; remade second half of 19th
ca. 1770; altered 1870-1885.
1770-1785