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Jute Knickers

Pair of bloomer style knickers made from jute. Trimmed with lace at cuffs and with a red ribbon at the waistband. They have been sewn together and darts added to create the shape at the waist.

Presented to donor at the time of her marriage in 1970 by the association of Jute spinners and manufacturers. The donor worked for the Board of Trade London in the division which was responsible for jute. This meant she had contact with the Dundee jute manufacturers.

They were given to her as a wedding present by the Association of Jute Spinners and Manufacturers along with a promise of a tour of a Mill and another small item which the donor thinks she remembers as being a brooch. She was told that they were manufactured in Low and Bonar Mill at the request of the Association and that the girls in the mill were planning to have a handprint placed onto the back of the garment but Sir Herbert said No you will Not.

Making of comedy wedding presents such as these was a tradition in the mill when someone was getting married. The donor believes that her knickers are of a better quality and finish than a mill girl would have been given as they were made at the request of the managers.

Number: DUNIH 2019.40
Name: Jute Knickers
Date: 1970
Maker: Low & Bonar
Location: In Store