At 19:15 31/05/2008, you wrote: > >In a message dated 5/31/2008 1:30:23 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, >[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > >upstairs/downstairs" (this might be to late) > > >**************** > >"Upstairs/Downstairs" takes place in the 20th century. Like 1908, 1910, >1912, or both....it ran a long time. By then each servant position >had it's own >uniform, just about. I remember an episode where one of the chambermaids is >promoted to Nursemaid. She is ridiculed for wearing her special uniform, >proudly, before she has actually taken over the position. > >And it's "too late" not "to late".... but you knew that. > >I would think [though I'm guessing from what I know....and you want >documentation] the cut of a maid's gown would be practical [open CF, >not too full a >skirt] with all the aprons, sleeve guards and what-nots she needed to do her >job. Fabrics would be dark or grey and washable...unless she was >answering the >door and then she might have a plain silk. But not a real uniform. Of course >manservants usually dealt with the public I think....y'know, the butler >answering the door. > >Then there are the "Great" households. Would they still have livery? A la >18th century? Just for the evening or also during the day?
The British Royal Household servants still wear uniform, livery and all for State occasions - think Coronation, Royal Wedding, coaches for the State Opening of Parliament etc. In Queen Victoria's day the men servants wore the equivalent of black morning suits, with cutaway coats - there are photos. (It was sometimes difficult to tell the butler from the Lord!!) Many of the great households have had photos of their servants, all of whom would have worn some "kind" of uniform, such as aprons for the gardeners, caps and aprons for maids etc. However, for the date required it is highly unlikely these photos would be of any help, although uniform is very "fossilised". Suzi _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
