Ahoy there, Mateys! – Part 1
Often, when we think of textiles, we think of fashion or women’s handwork. But in many cultures, it is the men who are the master weavers, dyers, block printers, and high-end tailors. So this two-part post is dedicated to the gentlemen! Just for you, I have selected some truly male-oriented textiles, and although not necessarily made by men, they are worn and prized by them. Sad to say, many of these textiles are from war and conquest, a field almost completely dominated by men until the 21st century. Anchors aweigh!
A True Family Treasure
This World War I Doughboy uniform was made for my client’s father when he was a wee one in 1917, by his mother, so that he would look just like his papa who was serving in Europe. It is a lovingly made, exact replica of a soldier’s uniform, just smaller in size. Sweet!
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- Doughboy Before
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- Doughboy After
Perry’s Victory on Lake Erie, 1813
Made of printed cotton in 1913, this banner was printed to celebrate Perry’s heroic role in the War of 1812. And there’s a beer too!
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Erin Go Bragh Standard
This battalion flag came from my client’s great grandfather who fought with the Irish Battalion, Tennessee, during the Civil War. Our work involved flattening, extensive cleaning, flattening, full lining and fill for all the holes. Then we added an overlay of protective netting and conservation mounting.
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Commemorative Banner of the Great White Fleet 1907-1909
This large banner made of a composite ‘textile,’ was manufactured in Japan as a souvenir for American sailors in port. It cost about $30. Constructed with gold wrapped thread embroidery, the work features a very ‘oriental’ styled eagle, silk satin embroidery, paper backing and gold couched surface work. The banner features a painting of the fleet entering Tokyo Harbor (with Mount Fuji behind), images of President Theodore Roosevelt (center), flanked by Admirals Sperry (right) and Evans (left), and a sailor encircled in an embroidered life ring (below). Flanking the sailor are gunner’s mate crossed cannons, and cannon balls. The whole kit and caboodle in one textile, ready for framing!
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Dear Julia this is a great contribution and warns the heart of a mere man who is acutely aware of the emotive and evocative power these objects have. Thanks for bringing them to my attention
Have you ever seen the magnificent costumes handed down for Mardi Gras in Mobile the first American celebration? If you friend me on facebook you can see a small selection of photos I took of trains and costumes. Off to Glacier National Park and off the grid for a while. Love your writing.
I love all your blogs and explanations Julia ! When you have the time for all of it , combined with your world travels.?
Are the imagines of the men & also the boat convoy a photograph?
These are lovely and very special. Thank you for sharing these wonderful pieces of history. It would be outstanding to see, at some point, the work done by men in the textile trade, as you mention in your note. I imagine there are some exquisite works of art out there. Warmly, DRK