Bloomer Lady (Alpha Figure)

Stock No: 002413

Height: 10 Inches / 25.5 cm

Reference: P.D. Gordon Pugh Staffordshire Portrait Figures, E397, Plate 63, Fig 117

A finely crafted figure of a Bloomer girl stands poised on a uniquely shaped base adorned with gilt lining, exemplifying the fashion of the Bloomer costume. This figure captures the essence of the era, featuring the girl with her left hand casually tucked into her coat pocket, while her right hand gracefully holds a delicate rose, symbolizing femininity and beauty. To her left rests an elegant urn on a square base, ingeniously designed for use as a pen holder, reflecting the dual purpose of art in everyday life.

Amelia Bloomer, a pioneering figure in women’s rights, became the first woman to publish a periodical exclusively for women, entitled “The Lily: A Monthly Journal devoted to Temperance and Literature.” In the May edition of 1851, she boldly encouraged her readers to embrace the revolutionary dress style of Mrs. Elisabeth Smith Miller, the daughter of the prominent abolitionist Gerrit Smith. This call to action sparked a wave of correspondence from women eager to learn how to create the distinctive outfit, thus birthing the movement known as “Bloomerism.” The influence of this new fashion was profound, leading to the production of numerous figures inspired by the Bloomer style, as well as theatrical productions and music sheets celebrating this cultural shift.

This particular figure is remarkable due to its uniqueness; it is the only recorded version of its kind, making it an exceptionally rare artifact. Its condition is noteworthy, having undergone a professional restoration to the hat rim, ensuring its preservation. Crafted in Staffordshire, England, by the Alpha factory around 1851, this piece not only represents a significant moment in fashion history but also stands as a testament to the spirit of the women’s rights movement during the 19th century.

Provenance: From the Elinor Penna Collection.