A Handbook of Costume

by Janet Arnold

Suggests sources for pictures and physical examples of various types of costumes in paintings, sculpture, dolls, tapestries, periodicals, and museum collections, and explains how to date or recreate costumes for the stage

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Fashion History, History, Fashion

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Janet Arnold (6 October 1932 – 2 November 1998) was a British clothing historian, costume designer, teacher, conservator, and author. She is best known for her series of works called Patterns of Fashion, which included accurate scale sewing patterns, used by museums and theatres alike. She went on to write A Handbook of Costume, a book on the primary sources on costume study, and Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd, as well as many other books.

Arnold was awarded the inaugural Sam Wanamaker Award in 1998. After her death, the Society of Antiquaries of London who had previously made her a fellow, created a grant in her name, as did The Costume Society, which she helped to found.

Reviews

[Regina Hunter]

Officially the best one I saw, except some of the private Metropolitan book collections. I like the fact that it covers everything from, sewing, dry cleaning, and keeping it safe. Also little sketches that give a clearer idea at what you are looking at.

[Allison6876]

good source for research & other references