Belles on Bikes - the History Wardrobe

Meredith models her own copy of a 19th century cycling outfit

​We were delighted to get together again for a face to face meeting at Costessey on Saturday 23rd November for another wonderful afternoon with historical dressmaker Meredith Towne from History Wardrobe.  Here are the reflections of one of our members:

"A wonderful treat to see Meredith Towne; her Mum was absent but one month old son  Henry was a beaming presence.
 
Showing off her post baby figure in lycra, Meredith wanted to draw our attention to the very different attitudes and social mores towards nineteenth century Lady cyclists.  Notice the capital L? These cyclists needed money to obtain a cycle, which although cheaper to buy and maintain than a horse, nevertheless needed a substantial outlay.
 
Cycle manufacturers were astute enough to realise that there was a huge untapped female market: bikes offered freedom from chaperones, and a way to meet friends in a more relaxed setting.  Meredith pointed out that of course cycles needed to be adapted for the female form in response to the moral and physical concerns raised.  Ladies needed to sit upright - or how would they keep their hats on?  Ladies needed to mount and dismount as elegantly as possible, or legs and ankles may be revealed!  Soon a whole Lady cyclist wardrobe evolved.
 
Of course, a Lady cyclist must wear wool.  A Liberty bodice; a corset to stop the figure going “all abroad”; stockings; brogues; a woollen mutton sleeved blouse; a split skirt; a jacket; bow tie and straw boater.  To be a “Scorcher”, bloomers and gaiters also needed to be worn.  All these items were exhibited, and a rather pink Meredith eventually ended up wearing them! 
 
How far have we travelled?  Meredith, (admittedly by car!) all the way from Whitby on a weekend of truly foul weather, and we were so grateful to her.  In terms of cycling and attitudes?  Think Laura Kenny and fellow Olympians."
 
Lorraine Ransome
C&TA member

​To read more about History Wardrobe, click here: www.historywardrobe.com/
To visit Meredith Towne's website, click here: www.meridithtowne.co.uk/
 
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