Social History (TC1793)

Sepia real photo postcard, titled "Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton, Bristol" along bottom edge at centre, in white. An elevated view of the Bridge, seen from the Clifton side (?). Decorative embossed border along edges, of leaves and flowers. Printed information on the Bridge appears on the reverse at top left. Bee Series, no. 3027. Postally unused.

Social History (TB1344)

Black wool jersey cocktail dress made by Starks of London - "Fredrica". The dress is sleeveless with a pentagon neckline which has been gathered closely at the front (with the use of elastic) and decorated at each side with a black velvet bow. The dress has 'V' neck back. The dress has a hip height waistband which widens at the back to form a downward point. The skirt is gathered into this waistband. There is a separate narrow fabric-covered belt with buckle, at hip height held on by thread loop holes. There is a zip fastening on the left-hand side of the dress (440mm in length) with a hook and eye clasp above it. The dress has two darts, stretching from the chest to waistline. There are also two darts at the back of the dress, from the shoulder blades to the waistline. The underskirt is attached to inside of the dress at the waistband, and is made up of layers of stiff black gauze. This has many holes in it and is disintegrating. It is fastened at the left hand side of the dress with a hook and eye fastening and a popper. The dress had been shortened ( the material that was removed (60mm in width) is still with the dress. It was shortened to a more fashionable length.

Social History (TC291)

Ladies maroon swagger-back raincoat with belt and detachable hood. It has half moon pockets on each hip and is lined with read taffetta. Coat measure 1150mm in length. It has thre plastic see-through buttons that fasten above the waistline. It has a pointed collar and the hood is attched by three small clear plastic buttons (which are under the collar). There are two small buttons on the indside of the coat near the hem, though their useage is unknown. The front of the coat has a rounded 'scoop' double seam which runs across it from shoulder to shoulder. This is the same at the back of the piece. The waisted belt, made of the same material has a square plastic see-through buckle and a moveable loop to fasten. The coat has two slits in each side seam so that the belt can pass through them - becoming visible at the front but not at the back. The coats long sleeves are cuffless and have padded shoulders. Inside some labels say: "Swallow Raincoat", "Guaranteed waterproof", "Fine in the rain", "Brights of Bristol"

Social History (TC2588)

Packaging / display box for Fry's Celebrated Chocolate Drops (Plain). Flat rectangular box with hinged lid. Wood with 'Fry's Chocolate / Makers to H.M the King / H.M the Queen / H.M Queen Alexandra / 300 Gold Medals & Diplomas' printed on the outside of the lid. Intended to be displayed on shop counters with lid open, inner lid has a red and blue paper label 'Fry's / celebrated / Chocolate Drops'. Blue and red paper label on front edge and printed on sides and base.

Social History (TA1753)

Fine cotton chemisette with whitework embroidered collar.

Social History (TD4627)

Framed badge: 'One of the silver badges formerly worn by the boys of Colston's Hospital, Bristol, framed in the wood of an old tulip tree that grew in the school grounds. Presented by the Governors of Colston's Trust, to Joseph J Mackie (No 18) in recognition of his contribution of not less than Five Pounds towards the erection of a school library and a memorial of the bi-centenery of the foundation of the school, July 9th, 1910.' Signed by 'W.Wilberforce [Jose] 'Chairman of the Governors'.

Social History (TB2178)

Black and white real photo postcard, titled "The Raider" at bottom edge, centre, in white lettering. Night time image, showing two search lights piercing the dark sky, focussed on what appears to be a Zeppelin. A church spire and chimney can just be seen in the foreground. White borders. Postally unused.

Social History (TD5827)

Electrolytic printing block from Muller orphanage: photograph of girls in playground. See notes for additional information.

Social History (TD5829)

Electrolytic printing block from Muller orphanage: photograph of boys in gymnasium. See notes for additional information.

Social History (TD5826)

Electrolytic printing block from Muller orphanage: photograph of tug of war. See notes for additional information.

Social History (TD5828)

Electrolytic printing block from Muller orphanage: photograph of girls in class. See notes for additional information.

Social History (TC2489)

Chocolate or cocoa box. Small rectangular box dated 1890 on its base. The sides are papered a royal blue and the lid bears a paper printed picture of a young girl in a knee length petticoat and hitched white over-smock holding a closed fan in one hand and a bunch of flowers in the other. Her face is in profile. A label inside the lid of the box reads, "41 prize medals awarded. Fry's pure concentrated soluable cocoa. When asking for Fry's pure concentrated cocoa 'see that you get it'. J.S. Fry and Sons. Bristol and London." The label printed in blue has a border chain decoration.

Social History (TC2502)

Small, oblong chocolate box with the image of two jockeys riding horses. Inside the box is three chocolates - two are wrapped in silver foil. On the base it written, "300 GOLD MEDALS & C. FRY'S CONCENTRATED COCOA. N.B. -SOLD ONLY IN TINS WITH GILT TOPS."

Social History (TB1784)

Long black taffetta evening dress by Peter Robinson. It is sleeveless with a very broad waistband, extending from the waist to just below the bust. This is shaped into 3 panels at the front and back with points at the front panel seams. The skirt and bodice are gathered into this band. At the back the dress has two long darts, from the shoulder baldes to the waist. The dress has a side zipper fastening (black, metal, 360mm) with a hook and eye at the top and mid way down the zip (closing material over the top of it). The dress has a shallow wide scooped neckline at the back and a 'v' neckline at the front. Labels read: "The Linzi Line", "Made in England" , "38", "Peter Robinson, Oxford Circus and Leicester Square"

Social History (TC1180)

Bright blue satin dress, brocaded with yellow/gold roses and rose buds. The dress is sleeveless, Waisted and has a cut away neckline at the front and the back. 2 drapes of the material originate in the side seams of the bodice to join in a knot at the centre front. The dress is full length with a pleated skirt which is gathered at the waist. In all there are 10 box pleats in the skirt. The skirt is lined with stiff white interlining (Gauze). The interlining skirt is fastened at the waist with 2 hook and eye fastenings. There is a zip at the centre back of the dress made of blue metal which is 380mm in length. This has a hook and eye fastening above it. Circa 1959-1960. Label inside states: "Margot Bywaters model. London W.1"

Social History (TC467)

Oatmeal silk dress with full skirt, gathered at the waist with bodice and lined with white tulle. The bodice and the sleeves are cut from one piece of fabric and it has a wide v neckline. It fastens at the centre back with a silver metal zip (450mm long). The dress has long sleeves with deep white linen cuffs, the edges of which are trimmed with 5 white buttons (which have been evenly spaced around the cuff). The cuffs have rounded edges. There is a small drat on the inner seam of each sleeve to give it shape. The dress is Waisted and is 3/4 in length. There are 2 darts at the back traveling from the waist to the shoulder blades. There is a centre front seam that runs form the bottom of the neckline to the waist, and 4 diagonal darts at the front that run from the bust to under each arm. Inside a label reads: "Mr Mort of New York", "15" Circa 1950's. The dress has a built in petticoat at the waist (inside). It is made of white net and is gathered at the waist. It has an extra layer of netting sewn in towards the hem to make the dress extra 'full'.

Social History (TB1063)

Ladies evening dress. Short dress made from black satin with a large patterns of pink, yellow and white roses. The dress is sleeveless with a rounded neckline. It has a 'v' shaped back with a centre back zip fastening. The dress has a thick pink and green ribbon running around the waist which makes two bows at the back (pink bow above a green bow). Bows (made of satin) make flaps over the zip which are fastened with two poppers. The skirt is lined with heavy weight muslin and also has a separate heavy muslin petticoat to stiffen the dress. There are two darts from bust to waist and two from bust to under-arm. The skirt is gathered at the waist. Label reads; "La Reine by Retta Day" Size 40

Social History (TB1395)

Ladies blue flocked nylon cocktail dress. The dress is pale blue with white flowers sewn onto it. It is sleeveless. The bodice is layered in frills which are sewn on in such a way as to create a cross-over effect. The dress has narrow shoulder straps and a centre back metal zip fastening. The skirt of the dress flares out due to intersections of ruched fabric along the front seams. the skirt and bodice is lined with lilac/light blue taffeta.

Social History (TB1948.3)

Belt, part of suit - see jacket TB1948.1 and skirt TB1948.2 .900mm long and20mm wide. It has a silver metal fabric covered square buckle. It has 5 holes for adjusting the tightness and is not stiffened.

Social History (TA6583)

"Dicel" Brown floral Acetate dress. White background and brown flowers design. 2 small darts stitched diagonally from bust to under arms (at the front of the dress). 3/4 length dress with 3/4 length sleeves with folded back cuffs. Metal zip at centre back. No lining.

Social History (TA3971)

Bright blue rayon satin evening dress. It has a seam around it waist heigth and is fastened with a centre back zip. This is a blue metal zip and measures 500mm long. There is a hook and eye clasp at the top of this fastening. Dress is knee length with capped sleeves .It has inverted pleats starting from the waist. There are 2 of these box pleats ta the back of the dress and 3 at the front. There are 4 darts in the bodice, 2 from bust to waist and 2 form bust to underarm. The dress has a rounded neckline and the capped sleeves are made from the same piece of material as the bodice (has been cut to shape rather than sewn). There are blue thread loops to hold the belt in place. The bodice is not lined, but the skirt has a brown stiff guaze undreskirt to add fullness. There is a belt that goes around the waist of the dress. This is 970mm long and has a large buckle to fasten it. It is self covered with the same material as the dress and has been stiffened. There are three alteration holes to choose from and at the centre front the belt is decorated with a fabric (same as dress) rose and leaves and two lines of diamonte. Label inside reads "Peggy Page London", " Thid garemtn to be dry cleaned" , "40"

Social History (TB2920.1-3)

Ladies suit. Dress : (Item 1) Made from synthetic material. The dress part of the suit measures 1090mm in length. The design of the material used resembles dark brown and white lemon shapes on a light brown background. The dress is Waisted with two thread loop holes at the waistband to hold the belt in place. It has a centre back zip (550mm long) mad e of brown plastic. There is a horizontal seam at the waist and 4 darts at the back of the item (2 from waist to shoulder height and 2 from waist to hip height). There are also 6 darts at the front of the dress (2 from bust to waist, 2 from waist to hip and 2 from bust to under-arm). The dress is not lined. It is 3/4 in length, ahs capped sleeves and a rounded neckline at the back. At the front of the dress has a 'triple 'V'' neckline and a bow made of the same material as the dress sewn in at the centre front. The material is a little bunched under each arm, but is in good condition. The dress don't have any labels. Jacket: (Item 2): The jacket measures 540mm in length. It has 3/4 length sleeves and a seam running down the centre back. It has two long darts at the back. It has 6 darts at the front ( two from bust to under-arm, 2 from bust to hem and 2 from ribcage height to the hem). The jacket has 2 shallow pockets decorated with four horizontal pleats. The jacket has lapels that are curved at the top and pointed below. It has 3 buttons mad e of brown plastic that fasten the jacket at the centre front. It isn't lined. Inside a label states: "Heathgate, London Made". Belt (Item 3): The belt is 1100mm long and 40mm wide. It has a silver square buckle covered in the same fabric print as the dress and jacket. There is a moveable loophole and the belt has been stiffened. The end is pointed and there are 5 holes to choose the tightness.

Social History (TB804)

Spotty evening dress. 910mm in length, the dress is strapless, Waisted and is made of white taffeta which has a black /dark grey spotted design on it. The spots seem to run in a diagonal line. The dress had a boned bodice, and a 400mm centre back white plastic zip for fastening. There is a hook and eye clasp at the top of the zip. The bodice is made of two layers of nylon. There are two seams at the front of the bodice that run parallel with the side seams (85mm away) to make two panels on the left and right sides of the bodice. There are two darts that run diagonally from the bust to the inner seams. The skirt of the dress is gathered at the waist. There are a few stains under the arms of the dress. Underskirt made of nylon. Dress isn't lined.

Social History (TD3106)

Fine woollen skirt. Waisted, 2 short darts at the front and two long darts at the back. Skirt is 3/4 length. Mid green wrap over, fastened with two hook and eye clasps and one press down stud. Very slim fitting (pencil) - two covered buttons at waist. Swing label "102,24,72611" Size "24' waist" Circa 1950. There are a few holes in the fabric (especially at the back) due to wear.

Social History (TB2920)

Ladies suit. Dress : (Item 1) Made from synthetic material. The dress part of the suit measures 1090mm in length. The design of the material used resembles dark brown and white lemon shapes on a light brown background. The dress is Waisted with two thread loop holes at the waistband to hold the belt in place. It has a centre back zip (550mm long) mad e of brown plastic. There is a horizontal seam at the waist and 4 darts at the back of the item (2 from waist to shoulder height and 2 from waist to hip height). There are also 6 darts at the front of the dress (2 from bust to waist, 2 from waist to hip and 2 from bust to under-arm). The dress is not lined. It is 3/4 in length, ahs capped sleeves and a rounded neckline at the back. At the front of the dress has a 'triple 'V'' neckline and a bow made of the same material as the dress sewn in at the centre front. The material is a little bunched under each arm, but is in good condition. The dress don't have any labels. Jacket: (Item 2): The jacket measures 540mm in length. It has 3/4 length sleeves and a seam running down the centre back. It has two long darts at the back. It has 6 darts at the front ( two from bust to under-arm, 2 from bust to hem and 2 from ribcage height to the hem). The jacket has 2 shallow pockets decorated with four horizontal pleats. The jacket has lapels that are curved at the top and pointed below. It has 3 buttons mad e of brown plastic that fasten the jacket at the centre front. It isn't lined. Inside a label states: "Heathgate, London Made". Belt (Item 3): The belt is 1100mm long and 40mm wide. It has a silver square buckle covered in the same fabric print as the dress and jacket. There is a moveable loophole and the belt has been stiffened. The end is pointed and there are 5 holes to choose the tightness.

Social History (TC2205)

Sleeveless dress with pleated bodice and skirt made from pale blue 100% Dacron, and a separate underskirt. Early 1960's. The dress bodice has two bust darts and five double box pleats running from the neckline to the waist at the front. It has a shawl collar and self bow at the centre front of the neckline. The bow and central pleat conceal the opening which fastens with press studs. The back of the bodice is slightly gathered into the waistline. The skirt of the dress is flared in style and has double box pleats all around. The dress also has a zip under the left arm running to just below the waistline. There is also a self belt with covered metal buckle and eyelet-holes held to the dress by two belt loops. The bodice is lined with pale blue nylon and the skirt is lined with white scrim with a double thickness band approximately 10.5cm at the hem. Attached to this is a decorative edging of broderie anglaise tape. Sewn into the back neck of the dress is a label in black and white stating: "Kitty Copeland Model London W.1" , "Styled in 100% Dacron. This fabric is made in the U.S.A"

Social History (TD561.3)

Trousers, part of three piece woman's suit of black twill woven wool or mixture fabric consisting of double breasted jacket (TD561.1), mini skirt (TD561.2) and trousers, Circa 1967. The trousers are straight in cut but slightly flared at the hem, they fasten at the centre front with a metal zip fastener and a black plastic button with rouleau loop. On either side of the waist are black rope hanging loops. These trousers are not lined and measure 995mm at the outside leg.

Social History (TC760.1)

Early 1960's jacket (part of a suit - see skirt TC760.2). Purchased by donor for 40 guineas from Harrods in London, worn at a wedding - The general look was an imitation of Jackie Kennedy. Label inside reads: "Elida of London". The skirt is white and almost straight, two slits at the back. There is also a zip at the back, fastened with two hook and eye above. It is lined. The jacket is white, with silver metal thread floral decoration. This is also lined. It is double breasted with 4 buttons at the front (in square formation) and a lapelled collar. There are four darts at the front of the jacket, two from bust to trim and two from bust to under each arm. There are two dart at the back of the jacket, mid back to trim.

Social History (TC760.2)

Early 1960's skirt (Part of a suit - see Jacket TC760.1). Purchased by donor for 40 guineas from Harrods in London, worn at a wedding - The general look was an imitation of Jackie Kennedy. Label inside reads: "Elida of London". The skirt is white and almost straight, two slits at the back. There is also a zip at the back, fastened with two hook and eye above. It is lined. The jacket is white, with silver metal thread floral decoration. This is also lined. It is double breasted with 4 buttons at the front (in square formation) and a lapelled collar. There are four darts at the front of the jacket, two from bust to trim and two from bust to under each arm. There are two dart at the back of the jacket, mid back to trim.

Social History (TB3234)

Royal blue jacket lined with navy taffetta. It's collar extends to tie lossely round the wearers neck. Sleeves are created by a cape which is attached at the front side seams. The front of the jacket fastens at the front with 5 cloth covered buttons. There are also 4 bust to hem darts at the front and two shoulder darts (on both the cape layer and the lanyer underneath (which almost resembles a waistcoat)). It has a centre back seam from the collar to the hem and at the back, the under layer is about 80mm longer than the overlying 'cape'. Labels read "Dereta REGD", "London, made on GB"

Social History (TB3242)

Sleeveless, backless black cocktail dress made from ribbed artificial fibre. The dress is gathered at the waist and flares out. The back has a fabric bow fastening (including two hook and eye fastenings) above a zip that travels down from the waist. There is a centre seam which runs from the neckline to the hemline at the front of the dress. It has a high neckline and the chest is completely covered with the black material. It has two built in pockets satin the side seams. It has two long darts that travel from under the arms to hip level. It has metal zip that is located under the fabric bow (210mm in length). The upper part (bodice) of the dress is not lined, but the skirt id lined with a kind of cotton like fabric. The backless section of the dress has been made to form a square shaped cut out. c.1962.

Social History (TC1175)

Yellow / beige abstract floral pattern tricel dress. Straight knee length skirt which is joined to a bodice of yellow lining. Top of dress is made to look like a separate jerkin, but is joined to bodice at neck. Jerkin has diagonal pleats all over the front and has bow at the lower edge of the left hand side. It is sleeveless and has a round neck. The jerkin is buttoned down the back (four covered buttons). The skirt and top lining has a long zip fastening at the back. The inside label states: "Peter Barron" , "London"

Social History (TD31104.2)

"Marcella" wedding outfit - Irish tweed. Skirt (see also jacket TD31104.1) 730mm in length. It is Waisted and has 4 darts at the back. The centre back seam forms a box pleat near the bottom of the skirt to allow for movement. It is fastened by 120mm zip on both the right and left sides. Above these zips are black buttons to fasten. The skirt is not lined. It has a label inside stating: "Stock number, F1670".

Social History (TB570)

Calf length corrugated nylon pleated skirt with side zip fastening, hook and eye and press stud on waistband. It has a pattern of dark green, grey/blue, light green and pink flowers on a white background. This item was homemade.

Social History (TC757)

Blue ladies coat. Early 1960's. Purchased for 25 guineas by the donor from Peter Robinson in Broadmead. The coat has a blue lining and a square collar. It has a centre opening and is fastened with buttons and hook and eye fastenings. From the front 6 buttons can be sewn, however only three of these are used to fasten the coat, the other three are for decoration. The hook and eye fastening is concealed behind the fabric bow which is situated at the centre of the coat (at waist height). There is also a hidden button fastening under the collar of the coat to hold down the overlapping material. There is a 'panel' running down the centre of the coat made up of 12 pleats (6 either side of the centre opening). The piece isn't Waisted but there is a band of material running around the waist, at the same height as the bow.

Social History (TD3496)

Full length, empire cut evening dress made of blue artificial satin. Round neck, cap sleeves, high waist, A-line skirt. The bodice and sleeves are decorated with beadwork, floral sprays and borders, a line of which also runs down the centre front of the skirt to the hem. 2 bust darts and 2 diagonal darts under arms. There is a blue satin bow at the centre of the waist band. Zip fastening (530mm) at the centre back with hook eye fastening above. The skirt has been shortened at some point. Lined. Complete with original box. Slightly worn, few beads missing.

Social History (TD2723/5)

Black and white printed postcard, untitled. A general view of Northumberland House, Durdham Down, and the surrounding grounds. White borders. Postally unused. One of eight postcards originally contained within a light brown envelope with "Pictorial Post Cards of Northumberland House, Durdham Down, Bristol" printed on the front (TD2723/1).

Social History (TB3233.2)

Dark green wool/ Worsted "Windsmoor" jacket (see also dress TB3233.1). Jacket is lined with dark brown taffeta and has long sleeves. It is single breasted with no pockets and fastens with 2 green square plastic buttons at the front. At the back the jacket has two small darts from under the collar which run diagonally to the shoulders. It has a rever collar. At the front there is a vertical seam running down the right side of the jacket. From this two parallel diagonal seams run across the front of the jacket to the upper left side. This seam work is mimicked in the dress. T

Social History (TB1785.1)

Long sleeveless turquoise satin evening dress. Heart-shaped bodice, gathered into 65mm wide band which goes around the front of the dress. The gathering creates a fan effect on the bodice coming from the centre of the band. The bust of the bodice is boned to give it shape. The skirt part of the dress has two pleats going into the waistband on both the right and left sides at the front. The side seams are inside box pleats. The back of the skirt is pleated into the waistband all the way around. The back of the bodice is decorated with 3 large tucks (horizontal pleats) . There is a back zip fastening. There is also a belt which goes over the zip made from the same satin material as the dress. This has a bucket at the centre front which goes over the top of the waistband and a buckle at the back in order to fasten and adjust. The front ornamental buckle is attached to the 'front' waistband which sewn into the dress' side seams. The back buckle is attached to a second waistband which is created from the two diagonal darts of the bodice. This goes around the back of the dress to fasten. The dress comes with a underskirt (see TB1785.2) which is made of white net and over stiff muslin. It is gathered into a white cotton waistband which can be tied at the back. The underskirt is made up of 3 layers, 2 muslin layers and a net layer on top. This creates a very full petticoat.

Social History (TB1785.2)

Underskirt to go with dress (se TB1785.1) which is made of white net and over stiff muslin. It is gathered into a white cotton waistband which can be tied at the back. The underskirt is made up of 3 layers, 2 muslin layers and a net layer on top. This creates a very full petticoat.