Detail from “Evening Ball for the wedding of the Duc
de Joyerse” c 1582-82. Example of a “softer” drum farthingale.
Back view
| Black and red gown
over drum |
page 1 2 3 4 |
| I decided for a “softer” drum
rather then the rigid one seen in theDitcherly Portrait and portraits
during the last decade of Elizabeth’s reign.
|
Back view |
|
Another difficult decision was deciding whether or not to make a gown that had the extra “ruffle” around the top of the farthingale. In period, the ruffle would be pinned in place. I though the stress on the brocade and the inconvenience of pinning it each time I wanted to wear it. Another technique was running a thread to gather the skirt. Again the stress on the fabric and the difficulty in storing such a gown caused me to decide on (for now) the smoother version.
|
(above) Arnold, QEWU pg.185 Documentation for the use of fringe to protect hem. In this case it also protects the row of pearls. (below) Detail of overskirt
|
