Ambigious

Object 1: The Cutter’s Practical Guide. Ladies’ Garments. Sixth Edition
This Ambiguous object is a book of Ladies’ garments and instructions as how to work from and draw patterns. It is also a book of women’s fashion from its time and details the tailoring required to make such garments.
In the Author’s Preface the book is described as providing “a work of reference for the experienced Cutter, so that he may strengthen convictions on some doubtful topic or obtain information on subjects that may not have come within the range of his experience.”
The book dates from the late 1980’s England where it was published in London by John Williamson company, Limited at “the Tailor and Cutter” Office, 42 Gerrard Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, London.
The book was owned by my great grandmother and passed down to me from my grandmother who though it would be insightful into pattern making.
My understanding is that my great grandmother, and perhaps her mother, worked as a dress maker, as did my grandmother. I need to explore how and why it is in my family.
The book references also the technological time it was published when all clothing was hand made from start to finish by following precise patterns. It also reflects the social aspects of the time through the style of the women’s garments.

Images coming soon... sorry.