A replica pair of handmade 18th century stays (the earlier term for corset). They are made from many layers to a technique taught to me by the Staymaker, Ian Chiperfield. The top layer is silk damask from the Sudbury Silk Mill and they are lined with linen. The shoulder straps are adjustable and will tie closer on a person - the rigid nature of mannequin has stretched them out. It is straight laced through metal eyelets and there should be at least a two inch gap at the back. They would be worn over a linen shift - see another pair I made on a model (last picture). The stays are small, and measure on the mannequin 32inch bust and 26inch waist.
