Chats on Costume

by G. Woolliscroft Rhead

LETITIA BONAPARTE, MOTHER OF NAPOLEON.

With the advent of the French Revolution in 1789 the three-cornered cocked hat disappears, and in 1803 we find a noticeable change in costume. "The French anticipated this invasion by sending over the most unsightly fashions that have ever appeared. The most distinguishing features were the coverings of the head, which consisted, in the one sex of an enormous military cap, and in the other of a bonnet, probably of straw, of a very ungraceful form. They are represented in the accompanying cut, taken from a caricature entitled 'Two of the Wigginses—Tops and Bottoms of 1803,' published on the 2nd of July in that year" (Thomas Wright, "Works of Gillray").

ANNE DAY.
Engraved by James Macardell.

In 1765 a large hood appeared called calash, made of a framework of whalebone hoops, resembling the hood of a carriage (calèche), and pulled over the head by means of a string. It is said to have been introduced into England by the Duchess of Bedford.

"TWO OF THE WIGGINSES—TOPS AND BOTTOMS OF 1803."
Gillray.