Lydia Lawrence Bonnet Replica 

Two plain style sun bonnets side by side on head mounts, one is degraded, and the colour is a faded yellow. The other is a brighter white modern replica with lines of piping cord on the brim and crown of the bonnet, and two layers of pleated capes.

Identification

  • Object Type: Replica sun bonnet
  • Date: Based off an 1890s sun bonnet
  • Origin: Replica made by conservator for preventive conservation purposes. Original bonnet made by Lydia Lawrence, the mother of author D.H. Lawrence. 
  • Owner: D.H Lawrence Birthplace Museum
  • Maker: Laurie Rees
  • Measurements: Approx. 25cm from brim to cape end
  • Materials: Printed cotton, design printed with Digital Reactive dyeing process

Summary

An authentically reconstructed sun bonnet made by observing the original degraded textile made by Lydia Lawrence, D.H. Lawrence’s mother. A University of Lincoln conservation hands-on research project, exploring social history, as well as the role of craft skills and replica making in conservation practice. Read the full article here: https://lalt.lincoln.ac.uk/impact-e-journal/volumes/.  

Behind the Scenes

Two plain style sun bonnets side by side on head mounts, one is degraded, and the colour is a faded yellow. The other is a brighter white modern replica with lines of piping cord on the brim and crown of the bonnet, and two layers of pleated capes.
Back view of degraded bonnet (left) next to the replica (right).
Two plain style sun bonnets side by side on head mounts, one is degraded, and the colour is a faded yellow. The other is a brighter white modern replica with lines of piping cord on the brim and crown of the bonnet, and two layers of pleated capes.
Side profile of degraded bonnet (left) next to the replica (right).

The conservator who created this replica is Laurie, click on the profile to learn more.

Note: All images were taken by the conservator unless stated otherwise.

Related Objects

Click on the image to learn more.

Textiles Collection

A view of the thigh decoration from above before treatment. The object is rested on acid free tissue, half the object visible on the red velvet side with silk rouches, the side with space for the loose piece at the top allowing a view of the shattering silk on the other side below it.
Medieval-Style Thigh Decoration
The doll wearing an ankle length off-white silk dress. The dress has brown staining and large tears in the centre. The dolls pink face is dirty with old adhesive where the wig was previously attached. The right foot is damaged.
Porcelain Doll
A black velvet full length cloak draped on a mannequin in the University of Lincoln’s conservation World Culture’s lab.
Opera Cloak
Flapper Dress