Eyewear: Artifacts in the Exhibition

Red and Green Striped Cat Eye Frame
“V” marking, size 4, unknown place of origin, ca. 1950s-60s.
Cellulose nitrate or plastic upper frame and nose pads, gold-coloured metal lower frame.
On loan courtesy of Jane Patterson.

Worn with:
Dark Green and Brown Plaid Suit
Aljean Fine Tailoring, Ontario, Canada, 1954.
Wool twill.
Human Ecology Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donation by Bev Richards (2004.25.4ab).

Black Pumps with Lace Insets
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1950.
Suede and nylon lace.
Human Ecology Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Jane Fitzpatrick (2013.3.2ab).

Mount and paper hair by Donnalee Riley

 Blue D-Framed Sunglasses with
K-Shaped nosepiece, Double Lenses
and Turnpin Sidebars

Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1820s-1875.
Metal frame and black lenses.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Bill Carmichael (2013.6.1).

Also known as “railway spectacles” these types of eyeglasses were worn in the open carriages of early rail travel. The side panels helped to protect the eyes from various hazards such as dust, soot, sparks, wind, and light.

 

Tortoiseshell Folding Lorgnette
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1835-1900.
Tortoiseshell frame and handle, metal rivet.
On loan courtesy of The Observatory Opticians and Jeri Ann Willis.

Worn with:
Rust, Tan and Black Hat
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1894.
Straw, black silk velvet ribbon, artificial flowers of natural plain weave fabric.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mr. Grieve (1981.14.2).

Brown Long-Sleeved Bodice
Creator unknown, United States of America, South Dakota, ca. 1898.
Wool twill weave bodice, silk ribbon trim, and brown silk velvet collar.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Doris M. Watt (1985.13.6).

Mount and paper hair by Anne Bissonnette

Yellow Rimmed Pince-Nez
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1800-1920s.
Cellulose nitrate or plastic, and brass.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Bill Carmichael (2013.6.8).

Worn with:
Natural Straw Boater Hat
Unknown creator, Canada, Toronto, ca. 1900-20.
Straw and black silk grosgrain ribbon.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Dr. (Betty) Elizabeth Crown (1973.10.9).

Black and Red Striped Sports Jacket
Unknown creator, Europe, England, ca. 1925.
Wool plain weave.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Gwen Legaarden (1987.17.1).

White Long-Sleeved Shirt
Arrow, Canada, ca. 1945.
Cotton plain weave.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Major R.C.W. Hooper (1975.16.10).

White Collar with Rounded Points
Arrow Cluett, Peabody & Co., Canada, ca. 1916.
Heavily starched cotton plain weave.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Pat McCormack (1996.30.10).

Black Bowtie
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 20th century.
Silk grosgrain.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Pat Bates (1990.30.10).

Mount and paper hair by Anne Bissonnette

Green Cat Eye Bifocals
American Optical, size “5-1/2,” place of origin unknown, ca. 1950s-60s.
Plastic hood and nosepieces, silver metal lower frame & nose bridge.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mrs. Johanna Lawrence (1988.65.54b).

Worn with:
Turquoise and Pink Brimless Floral Hat
Francette, Canada, Toronto, ca. 1967.
Synthetic organza.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Miss. Mary Hislop-Perraton (1997.7.1).

Turquoise Cocktail Dress
Unknown creator, Canada, ca. 1958.
Silk organza outer fabric and rayon lining.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mrs. Ruth Bowen (1978.14.30).

Mount by Anne Bissonnette and paper hair by Anne Thomas

Black Cat Eye Sunglasses with Silver-Coloured Filigree and Rhinestones
Unknown creator and place of origin, worn in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, ca. 1950s-60s.
Plastic, metal, and rhinestones.
On loan courtesy of The Observatory Opticians and Jeri Ann Willis.

Worn with:
Black Roses Hat
Unknown creator, United States of America, ca. 1960s.
Artificial flower and leaves, nylon net, and wire base.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mrs. Helen Richards (1988.46.2).

Black Jacket
Unknown maker and place of origin, ca. 1950s-60s.
Cotton plain weave.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Pat Brogdon (1988.25.2.a).

Mount by Anne Bissonnette and paper hair by Sarah Nash and Josée Chartrand

Automobile Driving Goggles
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1895-1920s.
Mica lens, metal and felted frame, and cotton string.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mary E. Herbert (1990.37.16.a).

Worn with:
Tan and Black Brimmed Newsboy Cap
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1890s-1920s.
Cotton sateen, cotton lining, cording, two brass buttons, and a possibly coated cardboard visor.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mrs. Laureen Moran (1972.7.14).

Beige Jacket
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1917.
Cotton and wool blend plain weave and plastic buttons.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Ruth Tuck (1990.53.33).

Ivory Shirt
Unknown creator, Canada, Toronto, ca. 1950.
Cotton plain weave.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mrs. Marion L. Cox (1998.15.12).

Mount and paper hair by Anne Bissonnette

Yellow Molted Sunglasses
Cool-Ray® Polaroid® 220, late 1960s-1970s.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Elizabeth Richards (2008.22.15).

Worn with:
Multi-Coloured Round Striped Hat
Rivera, origin unknown, late 1960s.
Silk twill.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Janice (Jean) McGregor (2007.10.3).

Mustard Jacket
Haulding, unknown place of origin, ca. 1970s.
Polyester knit and plastic buttons.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Fran Bilida (1991.4.7.ab).

Mount and paper hair by Cybil Cameron

Silver Oval Reading Spectacles & Case
Theodore Hamblin Ltd., London, Wisconsin, United States of America, ca. 1880s-1900.
Metal frame, glass lenses, and leather case.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Bill Carmichael (2013.6.16ab).

Worn with:
Cream Embroidered Evening Dress
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1840s-50s.
Cotton plain weave dress and piping with cotton embroidery thread.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
University of Alberta School of Household Economics (1971.7.6).

Black Satin Slipper Shoes
Unknown creator, Canada, ca. 1820s-2830s.
Silk and leather.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Jim Whittome (2001.6.8.ab).

Mount and paper hair by Naomi Milne

This fitted evening dress is characteristic of the 1840s with its sloping shoulders, pointed waist and voluminous skirt. The three flounces on the skirt are edged with hand sewn embroidered chain stitches. In order to create the repetitive floral pattern, paper may have been placed under the sheer fabric and the motif drawn onto the skirt before stitching.

Clear Safety Goggles
Uvex™, assembled in Mexico of US components, ca. 2010s.
Plastic.
On loan from the Human Ecology Department’s Protective Clothing and Equipment Research Facility.

Worn with:
Black Respirator Mask
North by Honeywell, United States of America, Rhode Island, ca. 2010s.
Molded Silicone and Miscellaneous.
On loan from the Human Ecology Department’s Protective Clothing and Equipment Research Facility.

White Protective Suit
Dupont™, unknown place of origin, ca. 2010s.
High-density polyethylene fibres (Tyvek).
On loan from the Human Ecology Department’s Protective Clothing and Equipment Research Facility.

Black Rubber Boots
Cougar, unknown place of origin, ca. 2012.
Synthetic rubber.
Installation boots.

White Rubber Glove
Unknown creator and place of origin, 2016.
Synthetic rubber.
Installation gloves.

Mount by Anne Bissonnette

Chinese Rimless Brass Folding Spectacles & Ivory-inlaid Wood Case
Unknown creator, China, 19th century.
Brass and cording.
On loan from The Observatory Opticians and Jeri Ann Willis.

 

 

Chinese Brass Folding Spectacles & Green Eel Skin Case
Unknown creator, China, 19th century.
Brass.
On loan from The Observatory Opticians and Jeri Ann Willis.

Black Metal Pince-Nez
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1825-1920s.
Metal frames, flexible bridge, and grooved plaquets with glass lens.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Bill Carmichael (2013.6.3).

Wooden Slit Goggles
Unknown creator, Canada, Coppermine, Northwest Territories, August 10, 1954.
Hand carved wood.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Dorothy Gray (2011.3.4).

Gold Aviator Sunglasses
Unknown creator and place of origin, after 1935.
Metal frames with wire coil ear grips, green plastic lenses.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mrs. Johanna Lawrence (1988.65.35).

Monocle
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1800-1925.
Brass.
Human Ecology Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donation by Bill Carmichael (2013.6.2).

Worn With:
Black Bowler Hat
Unknown creator, England, ca. 1893.
Human Ecology Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by M.A. McLeod (1980.3.3).

Dark Green Woolen Morning Suit
Unknown creator, Canada, North America, ca. 1904.
Wool twill, silk faille on label and buttons, metal buckles.
Human Ecology Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Morley and Val Blanch (2008.5.1.ab).

Cream Colored Shirt with Rust and Blue Stripes
The Flying Wheel Trademark, UBIC, Europe, United Kingdom, ca. 1910.
Cotton plain weave.
Human Ecology Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mrs. Edith Whidden (1991.23.1).

Black Wool and Silk Blended Tie
Jean Broadfoot, “Wool-O-Silk by Brophey,” unknown place of origin, ca. 1910.
Acquired and Worn by a member of the Moffatt family.
Wool and silk twill.
Human Ecology Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Midge Smith (2002.3.16).

Black Leather Ankle Boots with Side Buttoning
Unknown creator, North America, Canada, ca. 1900.
Leather boots with plastic buttons.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Ellen A. Tatham (1977.9.40).

Mount and paper hair by Anne Bissonnette

Gold Bridged Rimless Hair Pin Pince-Nez
Creator and place of origin unknown, ca. 20th century.
Gold-coloured metal rim, chain and hair pin.
Human Ecology Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Bill Carmichael (2013.6.6).

Worn with:

Teal Two-Piece Day Dress
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1908.
Silk faille, sil velvet, and cotton lace.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Rebecca Hobbs (2014.10.1ab).

Black Lace-Up Boots
Unknown creator, Canada, Alberta, ca. 1900s.
Leather boots,cotton canvas uppers, and cotton laces.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Ellen A. Tatham (1977.9.24).

Black Wide-Brimmed Hat
Mme. Georgette, Europe, France, ca. 1918.
Silk plush hat with wired silk taffeta bow and ostrich feather.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Ellen A. Tatham (1977.9.9).

Brown Purse
Juliana, unknown place of origin, early 20th century
Leather and metal closure
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Candas Jane Dorsey (2016).

Parasol
Unknown maker and place of origin, early 20th century
Natural silk embroidered
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Margaret Christie (2005.8.12)

Mount and paper hair by Danielle Peel

This dress is likely a transitional garment, as it includes elements from two different silhouettes from the early 20th century. The bodice is similar in style to those worn with an “S-shaped” corset in the beginning of the 1900s, however it is missing the high collar characteristic of the time, and creates less volume at the bosom. In comparison, the skirt resembles the tubular hobble skirt popularized around 1910 when a more vertical silhouette became fashionable.

 

Rimless Titanium Frame
Linberg, Denmark, ca. 2000
Titanium
Anonymous loan.

Gold Metal Bauhaus-Inspired Frame
Casanova, possibly from Italy, Venice, ca. 1990.
Gold-coloured metal frame painted in black (horizontal bar) with red squares, plastic ear cuff.
Anonymous loan.

“Great Wall” Eye Adornment
Jackie Anderson RCA Studio Jewellry, Canada, Alberta, Calgary, 2007.
Sterling silver and 18K gold.
On loan courtesy of Jackie Anderson.

Grey Imitation Horn Bow-Shaped Frame
Unknown creator, purchased in Edmonton, Alberta, ca. 2009.
Plastic, metal and rhinestones.
Anonymous loan.

 

Tan Clear “Beta” Frames
Bausch and Lomb, Rochester, New York, ca. 1970s.
Plastic.
On loan courtesy of The Observatory and Jeri Ann Willis.

Tortoiseshell Frame
Unknown creator, Canada, Alberta, ca, 1980s.
Plastic.
Human Ecology Clothing Textiles Collection.
Donation by Johanna Lawrence (1988.65.52b).

 

Loggerhead Sea Turtle
On loan courtesy of The Royal Alberta Museum (L.02.2.2).

White Opaque Sunglasses with Horizontal Slits
André Courrèges, Europe, France, 1965.
Inscribed with “Depose Patent PV5262.”
Plastic and metal nails.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textile Collection.
Purchased from Deborah Burke (2014.4.1).

Worn with
Eggshell & Brown Striped A-Line Coat Dress
André Courrèges, France, Paris, ca. 1963.
Double-faced wool outer fabric, polyester lining, plastic buttons.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textile Collection.
Donated by Monique Kornell (1993.14.1).

Cream & Tan Spectator Pumps
Pappagallo, Europe, Spain, ca. 1965.
Leather.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textile Collection.
Donated by Mrs. Jessie M. Keltie (1990.52.1ab).

Beige Purse with Gold Metal Clasp
Victory Handbags Limited, Canada, Alberta, ca. 1935.
Leather and gold-coloured metal.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textile Collection.
Donated by Robert Kully (1998.24.18).

Mount by Katie Mooney and paper hair by Loretta Yau.

Large Black Frame
Unknown creator and place of origin. ca. 1975.
Plastic.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
On loan courtesy of Jane Patterson.

Worn with:
Black Sequined Evening Dress & Hot Pants
Royalton Ltd., British Crown Colony of Hong Kong, ca. 1970.
Polyester twill, plastic sequins, and rhinestones.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Sheila Kelcher (1998.33.21ab).

Silver Platform Shoes
Romana, Europe, Italy, ca. 1973.
Leather.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Dr. Anne Kernaleguen (1978.23.1).

Mount by Anne Bissonnette and paper hair by Cybil Cameron

Gold Rounded Frame
Artcraft, unknown place of origin, ca. 1960s.
12K gold.
On loan courtesy of The Observatory Opticians and Jeri Ann Willis.

Worn with:
Multicoloured Patchwork Wrap Skirt
Ethos, Canada, Edmonton, ca. 1970s.
Cotton.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mrs. Heather Martin (1991.41.6).
Worn with an installation t-shirt.

Orange Leather and Cork Platform Shoes
Bare Traps, Canada, ca. 1970.
Leather and cork.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mrs. Doris Usher (1992.20.2).

Mount by Anne Bissonnette and paper hair by Katie Mooney

Black Rounded Bifocals
Maker creator, Edmonton, Canada, ca. 1920s.
Gold colored metal, likely brass, covered with black plastic until the ear cuff that is only of flexible plastic.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Mrs. Johanna Lawrence (1988.65.49).

Worn with:
Pale Blue Embroidered Dress
Maker creator and place of origin, ca. 1927.
Cotton voile.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Millie Hay (1986.31.3).

Black Leather High Heeled Shoes
Lucky Lady, unknown place or origin, 1935.
Leather, cotton, and metal.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
CLTX Department Funds (1990.55.20).

Mount by Anne Bissonnette, Katelin Karbonik and Cybil Cameron, and paper hair by Katelin Karbonik

Though simple in shape, the 1920s took advantage of elaborate fabric embellishments, such as the embroidery and shirring on this cotton day dress. For almost a century, clothing had increasingly been made on machines, and by the 1920s was often available ready-made and standard sized. This dress is an elegant exception, with the embroidery and decorative shirring at waist, shoulders and cuffs being done all by hand. Additionally, these embroidery motifs reflect a global trend for Eastern European folk-inspired embroidery, a style that appeared in the pages of popular fashion magazines in the twenties, including Vogue Magazine.

Bronze Metal Frames with Tinted Clip-Ons Magnetic Lenses
Easy-Clip, Italy, ca. 1980s.
Bronze-coloured metal, plastic plackets, magnets, glass.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Jim Whittome (2016.11.13a,b).

Worn with:
Black “Ramones” Printed T-Shirt
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1980s.
Cotton knit.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Jim Whittome (2016.11.6).
Worn with installation pants.

Black & Red Tiger Printed Leather Jacket
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1980s.
Leather, metal zippers and snaps, painted tiger motif in black.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Jim Whittome (2016.11.15).

Red Lace-Up Shoes
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1980s.
Suede, leather embroidery strip, metal loops, rubber sole, cotton laces.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Jim Whittome (2016.11.18a,b).

Worn with installation laces.

Black & Yellow Striped Socks
Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1980s.
Nylon knit.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Jim Whittome (2016.11.23a,b).

Mount and paper hair by Anne Bissonnette

Tortoiseshell Sunglasses with Blue Lenses
Samco, Italy, ca. 1970.
Plastic.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Donated by Robert Kully (1998.24.9).

Tortoiseshell “New Wayfarer®” Sunglasses
Ray-Ban frames by Luxotica with “G-15” “100% UV protection” lenses, Italy, Milan, first designed in 1952 by Raymond Stegeman for Ray-Ban, purchased in Edmonton, Alberta, November 2016.
Plastic.
Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Gift of the 2016 students in HECOL 460 (2016).

Tan “ Entrée” Clear Double Frame
Bausch and Lomb, Rochester, New York, ca. 1970s.
Plastic and metal.
On loan courtesy of The Observatory and Jeri Ann Willis.

Wood Cat-Eye Frame
Unknown maker and place of origin, on sale in Edmonton in 2016.
Wood and metal.
On loan courtesy of Bijan Optical.

Worn with
Black Dress and Pants
Jana Kalous for Kaliyana, Ottawa, Ontario, ca. spring/summer 2014 collection.
Cotton plain weave, elastic.
Anonymous loan.

Worn with
Black, White and Pink Stripped Shoes
“Sashay” model by Bzees (Naturalizer Canada), made in China, ca. 2016.
Man-made upper fabric and elastic.
Anonymous loan.

Mount and paper hair by Anne Bissonnette

 

 


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