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Clothes and domestic textiles in the community of Staple and its environs : constructing the forgotten fabrics of the sixteenth century yeoman

The clothes and domestic textiles of the sixteenth century were, next to food, one of the absolute necessities for humankind to survive. This study examines the different types and constructions of textiles closely, using an historical approach, reading original documentation and viewing the scarce fragments of remaining examples. Due to the class of society being considered and the fragility of the textiles, other rare samples, from beyond the sixteenth century needed to be considered to try and assemble a true picture of the textiles available. Agriculture, demography, geography and history have all been drawn upon. The lack of actual samples and the chasm in information regarding these forgotten items of daily living have been continually assessed and evaluated. Other themes addressed include: the relationship of the yeoman in society through sumptuary law; their respect for and association with nature for raw materials; and innovation in improving their skills. Practical attempts to reveal an authentic colour palette of the yeoman world, although not conclusive, have permitted a fresh approach for further enquiry. This research includes detailed worksheets and various hand woven samples which support the practical element of this study, giving a valuable foundation for further investigation. This original work will be of educational value in portraying this sector of society, so easily overlooked because of the grandeur of the sixteenth century nobility. The samples provide tactile experiences reinforcing, the need of textiles to be 'fit for purpose'. Many skills from this period have been lost to future generations, only recreations based on balanced and empiric judgements will help evaluate the of these forgotten fabrics

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:628642
Date January 2013
CreatorsYoung, Tamsyn
ContributorsFaiers, Jonathan
PublisherUniversity of Southampton
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Sourcehttps://eprints.soton.ac.uk/364317/

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