University of Galway History Research Seminar: ‘Clothing – whether home-made or bought?’: Non-elite clothing acquisition along the western seaboard of Ireland in the late nineteenth century

University of Galway History Research Seminar

‘Clothing – whether home-made or bought?’: Non-elite clothing acquisition along the western seaboard of Ireland in the late nineteenth century

Dr Eliza McKee

(UK National Archives)

Abstract
The consumption of clothing among the lower classes in Ireland has been overlooked in existing historiography. This paper will shed light on the routine clothing consumption practices of the poorer classes along the western seaboard of Ireland. The paper draws on evidence from the Congested Districts Board baseline reports dating from the 1890s. The Congested Districts Board was established to find long-term solutions to rural poverty in the west of Ireland. Eighty-four congested districts were identified, and reports were compiled by inspectors to ascertain the socio-economic condition of the people in the districts and to inform improvement measures. The reports provide an insight into the clothing practices of the lower classes and the acquisition methods they used to obtain dress in the late nineteenth century. One question on the reports asked whether clothing was generally home-made or bought by residents, and other questions explored local industries. The answers reveal information on textile production and material knowledge. The paper will explore what the reports reveal on the county-by-county differences in clothing practice and the commercial and non-commercial acquisition methods utilised, as well as the internal county differences that existed between highland and lowland, rural and urban areas, coastal and inland, mainland or island areas of the counties. It will also explore how the lower classes used clothing supply networks, what the reports reveal about ideas of fashion, the sartorial aspirations of the poorer classes, and the differences that emerge according to age, gender and between everyday clothing and Sunday best dress.   

Registration

This talk will be delivered online, via Zoom. Register here for the link: https://forms.office.com/r/cCTk5rr0V7
The seminar will also be livestreamed in Room 1001, Hardiman Research Building (Bridge Seminar Room).

This talk is part of the University of Galway History Research Seminar series.

Image: A child spinning and reeling wool, Donegal Highlands, c. 1890-1900. Robert John Welch (U.M., BELUM.Y.W.04.99.3)