Rare crinoline/ hoop skirt made by Thomson's, from the 1860s. On the back the name of this type of crinoline is written "Empress". The crinoline is in good condition, although the fabric parts are a bit stained. The closing buckle is missing. Rare to find.
The variety of different crinoline styles on the market was huge. Spring steel was the most popular material for the frame because it was flexible. In Sheffield, manufacturers produced enough crinoline wire each week to make over half a million crinolines. Although crinolines were light, women often found them cumbersome and restrictive.