Story: Archery, fencing, shooting and military re-enactment

Women's fencing class, 1891

Women's fencing class, 1891

This drawing appeared in the New Zealand Graphic in 1891, although it seems unlikely that fencing classes for women were being held in New Zealand at the time. The Graphic used the picture to illustrate women’s increasing interest in sport, suggesting that this had influenced women’s clothing. Should women have wanted to fence, the shorter, narrower skirt shown here would certainly have helped, as would the lack of a bustle (worn by the woman on the far right).

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Making New Zealand Centennial Collection (PAColl-3060)
Reference: MNZ-854-1/4-F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Megan Cook, 'Archery, fencing, shooting and military re-enactment - Fencing', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/40818/womens-fencing-class-1891 (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Megan Cook, published 5 Sep 2013, updated 1 Jan 2015