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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