Apron
Category
Costume
Date
Unknown
Materials
Muslin
Measurements
1100 x 900 mm
Order this imageCollection
Mr Straw's House, Nottinghamshire
NT 745193
Caption
Aprons were a part of standard day dress for many years. From as early as the 14th century women wore aprons to protect their clothes, developing by the 16th century to be a status symbol. Florence owned many different aprons, each with their own purposes. It’s likely that the lighter aprons would have been worn by Florence in her parlour, as a nod to her status as housewife and host. An apron of a heavier cotton material (such as denim or canvas) would be incredibly practical and hardwearing, standing up to many household tasks. Lighter weight cottons were often decorated and could be in patterns or prints to add interest to an outfit, and if they could afford it, impractical materials such as silks and cotton muslins would be used for show and hosting, as they offer very little protection. White starched cotton aprons were the norm for those in service and were a matter of pride; the whiter the apron, the better off your employer was. Lighter fabrics such as silks and muslins wouldn’t stand the frequent and stringent washing needed to remove stubborn stains and keep them at their best.
Summary
White muslin apron with long ties at the waist, small bib front with embroidered flowers and floral design to skirt bottom.
Provenance
Straw collection bequeathed to The National Trust on the death in 1990 of William Straw.