This particular costume design by Mrs. Siedle bears no useful information for placing it within a show, but as it was acquired together with the two Whirl of the Town designs previously shown, I have classed it with that production. I haven't been able to locate any contemporary information to make it definite that this is the case, but I'll keep looking. I may find it was intended for something else altogether!
One
of the reasons I consider it might be for this show is this postcard of
Madge Lessing wearing a costume of very similar appearance. The caption on the card reads:
"Mother Goose"
Madge Lessing as Jill
Madge Lessing as Jill
Lessing did appear as Jill in a production of Mother Goose in London, but I can find no record of Siedle designing for that show. That particular production took place in 1902; but although this photo is labeled as Mother Goose it isn’t positive proof that the photo was taken from that show. It’s not uncommon to find earlier publicity photos of stars being used to promote their latest endeavor. This particular photo could easily be from The Whirl of the Town.
In spite of the lack of identifying features, there is a great deal of information on the back of the design. This is sometimes the case, with instructions concerning materials and construction of the costume:
8 clowns
White & orange
The jacket is of black satin with white satin reverse & edged with swansdown. High flaring (illegible) collar.
Buttons tapering in at waist are of rhinestone. Strip to sling muff on is black velvet ribbon, backed with white satin showing edge on each side of black.
Buttons tapering in at waist are of rhinestone. Strip to sling muff on is black velvet ribbon, backed with white satin showing edge on each side of black.
Rhinestone buckle to regulate length. White satin ruffle at each end of muff & an owl on top.
The skirt is of transparent goods machine pleated.
Up the pleats are sewn silver hanging spangles, suspended with a few silver small beads.
The tights have flesh tops, woven to represent black stockings and flesh above.
Black silk fitted trunks. Show as much flesh as is possible. Skirt is open both sides.
Garter of satin & stone buckle
Outside of umbrella applique represents an owl on a branch with moon & stars. The stick comes out at top of owl’s beak. Edge umbrella cover with swansdown & ball of same at points.
Hat black satin outside. White inside edged in down. A good white plume. Bow knot of stones.
Up the pleats are sewn silver hanging spangles, suspended with a few silver small beads.
The tights have flesh tops, woven to represent black stockings and flesh above.
Black silk fitted trunks. Show as much flesh as is possible. Skirt is open both sides.
Garter of satin & stone buckle
Outside of umbrella applique represents an owl on a branch with moon & stars. The stick comes out at top of owl’s beak. Edge umbrella cover with swansdown & ball of same at points.
Hat black satin outside. White inside edged in down. A good white plume. Bow knot of stones.
Siedle has done a faint sketch showing the design of an owl on a branch
with moon & stars, which was the design intended for the umbrellas.
There's also an explanatory sketch for the tights,
showing how the effect of bare skin would be achieved.
A final note, written sideways on the right of the drawing reads:
8 clowns
White & orange
Perhaps these were to be a backup up chorus for this costume!
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