Victorian Sports Paper Dolls

Book excerpt: When we think of ladies of the Victorian era, our first thought doesn't go to sports. Yet women of the 19th century found many ways to be active despite the restrictive clothing of the day. Full skirts were typically worn for riding, skating, croquet, golf, tennis, hiking, fencing and archery. Bloomers aided in activities such as cycling, gymnastics and swimming. Toward the end of the 20th century, women participated in team sports including field hockey, volleyball, baseball and basketball.Artist and fashion historian Brenda Sneathen Mattox represents 14 Victorian sporting activities in a beautifully illustrated wardrobe for two dolls. The well-researched costumes depict: Riding 1840s, Gymnastics 1850s, Croquet 1860s, Bathing 1860s, Skating 1870s, Hiking 1870s, Baseball 1880s, Tennis 1880s, Shooting 1880s, Fencing 1890s, Archery 1890s, Cycling 1890s, Golf 1890s, Basketball 1890s.An essay on "The Victorian Sportswoman" by Lorna Currie Thomopoulos adds to the collectibility of this historical fashion paper doll book.