The Effigy Corset belonging to Queen Elizabeth I. In 1995, the effigy of Queen Elizabeth residing in Westminster Abbey was unclothed for study and repair to the garments in which she was dressed. It was taken off the wax effigy that was part of her funeral procession. The bodie (as they were called in her time) is made from fustian and fully-boned with whalebone. It has shoulder straps that are attached to the back piece of the bodie and fasten over the shoulder with ties, allowing for a slight adjustment in the arms, if need be. It is spiral laced at the front, and does not feature a busk, which would have been characteristic of an earlier Tudor corset. Bodies that have front lacing were usually made for people who had to lace themselves up with no help. I think its strange that Elizabeth I would have a front laced Bodie at all. Of all people she would be the one to have tons of help getting dressed (which she did). Maybe she just preferred front laces to secure a bit of privacy in the end? I can certainly understand why someone would want to lace themselves - but tightening a corset took strength at times and was an elaborate *to do* before the other layers of clothes were put on. Does anyone else have any insight into this? Or opinions? Please share in the comments! Thanks! -- Anna
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 07:42:47 +0000