05/06/2026
🌍To celebrate World Environment Day, this month’s is a fascinating petticoat from c. 1913.
This petticoat, made from white cotton with a lace hem, tells a hidden story of reusing materials and repurposing it into something new. Part of it was created using a piece of cotton that was previously a technical drawing, likely from an engineer or architect. The visible plans can be seen on both sides of the fabric.
Petticoats were worn under dresses or skirts to provide warmth or create a fashionable silhouette. They were a popular undergarment during the Edwardian period. The white cotton was paired with a deep lace hem, a style popular at the time, as more lace was often seen as more fashionable.
The cotton used here is likely drawing cloth, which was regular cotton that was starched and calendared to produce a smooth, glossy drawing surface. Its durability made it practical alternative to paper, and it was widely used by architects and engineers. Once no longer needed, this material was cleverly repurposed into clothing, giving it a second life.
Take a closer look at the drawings – could they be part of a bridge design? Let us know what you think in the comments!
This petticoat reminds us how resourceful people have long been reusing materials. Will this inspire you to reuse or repurpose material in your own wardrobe? Small changes can make a big different in reduce waste and protecting our planet.
Accession Number: 8350/38
