History of underwear revealed in new exhibition

A museum display featuring a historical undergarment on a mannequin. The garment includes a fitted white bodice with grey trim and shoulder straps, attached to a hooped skirt frame with beige bands around it. Behind the mannequin, there is a wooden chest of drawers and decorative wall mouldings.East Riding of Yorkshire Council

The lobster-tail bustle marked a dramatic shift in style

Charlie O'Loughlin
East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

A revealing exhibition is offering visitors a glimpse at an unseen side of fashion.

Underwear Autumn, at Sewerby Hall, near Bridlington, features historical petticoats, corsets and bustles from the past 500 years.

Highlights include Tudor blackwork embroidery, Regency chemises and a lobster-tail bustle of about 1880.

They will be on display in various parts of the Grade I listed house, including in the blue bedroom, dining room and drawing room, during the autumn and winter months.

A historical fashion exhibit with three dresses in a vintage-style room. The first mannequin on the left wears a long, white layered and hooped skirt. The mannequin in the middle has a bright yellow skirt with ruffles on. The third mannequin on the right has a small, white undergarment on. In the background there are chairs and tables, as well as decorative items like candlesticks and vases on top of a fireplace.East Riding of Yorkshire Council

The underwear display offers a rare glimpse beneath the surface of historical costumes

According to staff at the hall, the lobster-tail bustle marked a shift in female fashion trends, from a rounded fullness to a more sculpted silhouette emphasising volume.

Some reproduction items have been made by the hall's team of volunteers, including Jeni White, from Hull.

"I always found it a shame that such beautiful handiwork was hidden away under layers, even if it is hidden by pretty dresses," she said.

The image shows a museum exhibit with two displays. On the left, there is a scale model of a brick house with glowing windows, placed on a wooden table with an information plaque in front. On the right, a mannequin is dressed in a long white historical gown with lace sleeves. The background features dark wooden columns and panelling.East Riding of Yorkshire Council

The display is open at weekends and during school holidays

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said the exhibition would allow visitors to "explore another side of history".

''The undergarments are what contribute to the shape and style of period costumes and have heavily influenced the way in which we view famous historical figures," he said.

''Most of the items featured are not usually on public display so this is a wonderful way for visitors to peer behind the veil of history.''

The hall is open weekends only during the autumn and winter, with the exception of the October and February half-term holidays, when it will be open daily.

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