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Milliner's window display head

Date made: early 20th century

Description: This mannequin was used to display the latest fashionable hats and accessories in the shop window of Moore’s Milliners in Douglas. The mannequin’s head shows a happy and glamorous looking woman wearing make-up and sporting the latest short haircut. This would be just the sort of fashionable person that the shop would want to attract as a customer.

This mannequin head was made of a patented plaster composition trademarked as ‘Co-Wax’ and this particular model was called Bettina. The model shows the influence of Art Deco and has a long neck. She is relatively more stylised in appearance than earlier more life-like models, although she still has the realistic glass eyes.

Moore’s milliners shop was first opened in 1882 by Mrs R. Moore at 62 Strand Street in Douglas. By 1934, the shop had moved to 25 Duke Street and had been taken over by her daughter, Miss Roma Moore. It is quite likely that Roma purchased Bettina when she took over the family business. Her first advertisement in 1934 promised ‘a nice Selection of Matrons’ and Young Ladies’ new Spring Millinery. Also, Jumpers, Scarves, Hosiery, etc’.

Measurements: overall: 28 cm x 20 cm x 23 cm

Materials: ceramic

Object name: display head

Collection: Social History Collection

ID Number: 1967-0237

Subject tags : #MM100COLLECTIONS

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