Last month I shared a video from the Lady Lever Art Gallery and National Museums of Liverpool that demonstrated how an 18thc elite woman was dressed for her day.
Many of you were mystified by one particular wardrobe feature: the busk.
You weren't alone. According to Pauline Loven, the costume historian, costumer, and heritage film producer who created the costumes and contributed the historical background for the first video, the purpose of the busk perplexed many viewers - so much so that this second, shorter video was made to offer further explanation. Both videos were directed by Nick Loven for Crow's Eye Productions.
For examples of several antique busks, see this postfrom our archives.
Hi there! I love the video, so informative, and the extra explanation is so helpful to costumers and re enactors, and history writers! Perhaps your expert can answer a question of mine -- why were amateur thespians called "buskers" in the old days? Was it because they dressed up in 18th C costumes like those shown, with that center front busk? Keep up the great work -- I always get a little thrill when I see you've posted another great tidbit! Best, Nancy N
One of us -- Loretta Chase -- writes historical romance. One of us -- Susan Holloway Scott -- writes historical novels,and as Isabella Bradford, wrote historical romances, too.
There’s a big difference in how we use history. But we’re equally nuts about it. To us, the everyday details of life in the past are things to talk about, ponder, make fun of -- much in the way normal people talk about their favorite reality show.
We talk about who’s wearing what and who’s sleeping with whom. We try to sort out rumor or myth from fact. We thought there must be at least three other people out there who think history’s fascinating and fun, too. This blog is for them.
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6 comments:
Hi there! I love the video, so informative, and the extra explanation is so helpful to costumers and re enactors, and history writers! Perhaps your expert can answer a question of mine -- why were amateur thespians called "buskers" in the old days? Was it because they dressed up in 18th C costumes like those shown, with that center front busk?
Keep up the great work -- I always get a little thrill when I see you've posted another great tidbit!
Best,
Nancy N
I can't imagine wearing my corset without the busk. I still think the actress needs a bigger bum roll.
Nice video on secret compartments, nothing to do with clothes :-)
https://www.facebook.com/CWhistorictrades/videos/504684629886736/
Merriam-Webster busk, probably from Italian buscare to procure, gain, from Spanish buscar to look for
I assume from the people who entertained in the street for coins.
I wonder, is it just me, or have we lost such a wonderful sense of poetry as the words written on the busk?
I thank you for the video. And I can certainly see why ladies had maids.
Today, getting dressed is not a group effort. But, we also do not normally dress in such a lovely and elegant manner.
Great video! I didn't know busks were removable. I loved the poem, too!
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