Date: c. 1930s
Origin: Great Britain
Fabric: Silk Crepe
Brand: Unknown
A collection of elaborate embroidery sample cards, with designs intended for use in nightwear and lingerie. It is likely that these embroideries were prepared overseas, to later be used in manufacturing within Great Britain, as the notes on the cards make reference to 45% duty in the cost. The hand written notes on the cards also make reference to the price of each samples, with costs ranging between 1 shilling and 3 pence to 4 shillings (approximately £2.86 to £9.16 in contemporary pound sterling).
The sample cards show embroidery designs intended for the necklines of nightgowns and ‘Comby’ or ‘Comby panty’ (presumably an abbreviation of combinations). The base fabric is silk crepe, and all of the embroidery appears to have been executed by hand rather than machine.
From the collection of The Underpinnings Museum
