UKRay Report post Posted December 23, 2009 The whole Victorian fair thing is getting quite big and I have need to find myself some kind of Victorian costume so I look the part, even if my work is not quite on the same timeline. Essentially, I'm having problems finding a sensible costume that: doesn't make me look any more of a dork than I do already... don't go there! allows me to move around and work at a bench all day. is appropriate to the time period. My first thought was to do the steampunk thing, but that was stomped out of me by several show organisers who visualise things rather differently to me. My question is simple: what would a Victorian leatherworker have worn? Ray Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted December 23, 2009 The whole Victorian fair thing is getting quite big and I have need to find myself some kind of Victorian costume so I look the part, even if my work is not quite on the same timeline. Essentially, I'm having problems finding a sensible costume that: doesn't make me look any more of a dork than I do already... don't go there! allows me to move around and work at a bench all day. is appropriate to the time period. My first thought was to do the steampunk thing, but that was stomped out of me by several show organisers who visualise things rather differently to me. My question is simple: what would a Victorian leatherworker have worn? Ray ... Broad Fall trousers, wellington boots ,or lace up shoes,collarless shirt,Leather Apron. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BondoBobCustomSaddles Report post Posted December 23, 2009 Well, I'm not THAT old, but; seems like Luke is, so I'll go along with him, he must have been there! Bondo Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gesa Report post Posted December 26, 2009 I didn't find anything about victorian working cloths, but maybe you will find some inspiration here: http://www.costumes.org/classes/fashiondress/menswearblip.htm http://www.marquise.de/en/1800/index.shtml Gesa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted December 26, 2009 Well, I'm not THAT old, but; seems like Luke is, so I'll go along with him, he must have been there! Bondo Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barra Report post Posted December 26, 2009 Ray. I'd add a wesket and if outside perhaps a flat cap. Now while most will associate a full sleeved collarless shirt with Victorian times, the addition of a detachable collar and tie said tradesman in the English class system.Old Army boots will do as typical work boots of the times. Do a google image search under 19th century/Victorian saddler,harnessmaker, leatherworker Victorian or 19th century Walsall (add saddler or leather) and try and ignore the plethora of sites dedicated to a football team. Maybe just 19th century English tradesman or perhaps sites dedicated to Ludlow/Shropshire history. Now these are old Australian photo's but it illustrates the type of photo you will get for the above searches where it seamed obligatory to pose for a pic outside your shop. http://www.weewaa.com/AccountData/4/content/images/Tourism/JJSmithSaddler.JPG http://home.pacific.net.au/~sails/chas%20wright%201788%20%20closeup%20saddler.jpg I think this is a cool pic http://www.picturesofengland.com/img/L/1089319.jpg The addition of a thread rolling apron might add a talking point to the attire as not many are going to know what it is or used for. Barra Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
celticleather Report post Posted December 27, 2009 Ray Perhaps you should pay a visit to the Blists Hill Victorian Town . . . not very far from you. I was amazed to see this picture posted here. A few years ago I spent an hour chatting to this gentleman in his little workshop at the Blists Hill Victorian Town museum. I was so envious of his job . . . a few hours a day, chatting to interested visitors, and at the same time making belts and leathergoods to sell as souvenirs. He was a very knowledgeable chap, and he had original copies of catalogues and books that I've only ever seen as reproductions! I wonder if he's still there . . ? Terry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKRay Report post Posted December 30, 2009 Thank you all for the helpful suggestions and the links to useful information. I'm almost there! I'm off to Ironbridge to talk to Blists Hill next week, Terry. I watched the Victorian Christmas TV programme from Acton Scott (which is just up the road from me) and was amazed by the shops and workshops they visited there. Ray Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shotgunwilllie Report post Posted December 30, 2009 (edited) Ray, contact me at willlie1212@yahoo.com I have a bunch of links and I think I can help you out without costing a fortune and / or comfort! Bill Edited December 30, 2009 by shotgunwilllie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparks Report post Posted July 5, 2010 Ray, contact me at willlie1212@yahoo.com I have a bunch of links and I think I can help you out without costing a fortune and / or comfort! Bill Ray, You might try looking up US Civil War vendors...that period was 1860-65. I'm sure you can get civilian shirts an pants there. Sparks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
