PANTALOONS TO PETTICOATS

Beneath the sweeping skirts of 18th century fashion was a hidden world of corsets, crinolines, bustles and more – voluminous layers, each essential in the art of dressing in the Victorian era.

In this lively show, historians Dorothy Walsh and her colleague will share stories, curious anecdotes and surprising truths as they literally tie themselves, layer by layer, into Victorian undergarments.

It’s a fascinating and fun exposee – see how Victorian ladies dressed, moved – and occasionally fainted, thanks to their extraordinary foundations! From stockings and split pantaloons to crinolines supported by steel hoops and as many as ten petticoats, every layer played an important role in achieving the elegance and fashionable hourglass shape of the era. A hat, gloves, purse and umbrella finished the look.

During the show, you’ll hear about vintage fabrics, sewing techniques, styles and the everyday challenges – and occasional hazards – of wearing tightly laced corsets, timber-framed bustles, peplums and more.

How did it all start?

“Quite a number of years ago I did a show for a school and I was dressed in my 1860s clothes and, when I walked down the aisle way, all these boys lay down to see what was under my skirt and so the idea, Under the Victorian Woman’s Skirt, was born,” says Dorothy.