The Maxted Family whitework cap C1825-30
The Mary Ireland collection - see Blog
I wouldn't call this cap a fine piece, but I absolutely love it for the essence of Regency frivolity!
The tiny label attached written by Mrs Ireland, tells us that it belonged to the Maxted family and gives the date of 1825-30, along with other detail so tiny that I cannot read. I have no reason to argue with this, the cap being so typical of the Regency period, even though this piece is late in the era.
The cap has lost it's original ribbon, but you can see where it would slot through the headband section, the only area that holds closely to the head.
The cap is applique on net, not Carrickmacross. All around the front there are two deliciously floppy flounces, which extend to short lappets that hang on each side. To the back neck, there is a single flounce.
At this point I must tell you that I used pale pink tissue to show the rest of the cap clearly. THE PIECE IS ALL PALE CREAM. NO COLOUR.
So, the back of the cap is moulded into a 'soft' heart shape. The motif within the heart shape is just the same technique but absolutely charming.
Around the heart shape are no less than 6 puffed out sections. These crazy puffs are typical of the Regency period but I have never seen 6 of them on one piece! The puffs are not strengthened in any way, so I presume that a section of hair would sit within each one.
Huge Regency fun and utterly adorable. These were the focus for the famous Regency cartoons of the time.
The measurement of the headband is approx. 23" and each lappet is 11" long.
CONDITION:
The entire cap has a fresh appearance and has been looked after very well. It is pale cream in colour and of course you could let it soak in a bowl of COLD water if you want to remove any bits of natural discolouration. I just didn't want to iron it afterwards!
One lappet has a subtle repair or join that is very neat. There are a series of tiny darns to the centre back neck & a few tiny pinspot holes of no consequence - see the photographs.