Reading 1- "Antiquarian Attitudes- Some Early Studies in the History of Costume"

"Antiquarian Attitudes- Some Early Studies in the History of Costume"
by: Daisy O

This article argues the importance of art history in approach to the study of dress history. A background in art history provides a source of images where we can access and visualize clothing from every time period. It is through art that we are able to differentiate the changes in dress and appearance that define the current fashion. And this is not easily done by just looking at existing garments and written documents. The interest in costume gradually developed in the late 18^th century from the first surviving collections of costumes, including one in the British Museum. The rise of interest in illustrated histories of England are linked to the growth of interest in new genres and historical paintings, where the accurate depiction of historic costume were of importance. As art and dress are both forms of non-verbal languages, they are both social and visual experiences to the public and private. Joseph Strutt and Charles Alfred Stothard started their careers as historical painters then later gained popularity through their accurate costumes in plays with historical themes, which then led to the rage of masquerades throughout the century. Strutt illustrated and sourced the first detailed history of dress in England. The amount of sources Strutt used in his published work proves the extent of his research, not just dealing with fashionable dress but with every aspect of costume, including occupational, clerical, ceremonial, official, theatrical, and so on. Strutt’s artisitic abilities sometimes hinder his academic ethics as he admits to adding “ornamental embellishments” on figures of his original sources stating that it is not the work of his own imagination but “accurate specimens of English art.” And today as well as from the very beginning, both art and dress are used to interpret life at the time being, including culture, manners and visions.