Hidden History of the Smock Frock

The smock frock, once associated with rural England, is explored in a new book by Alison Toplis, revealing its hidden history and its impact on social and fashion movements. It was handmade and manufactured by the ready-made clothing industry, bought by men of different trades, and preserved by collectors under the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement. It was reinvented as womens and childrens wear and is now regularly revived in fashion collections.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Winner of the Association of Dress Historians Book of the Year Award, 2022, the smock frock has long been associated with rural English lifestyles, often considered one of the few surviving examples of English folk dress from the 19th century. This captivating garment has sparked curiosity in numerous museum collections, and this book delves into its hidden history, presenting fresh social narratives. By examining a wide range of sources, including surviving garments, newspapers, and photographs, Alison Toplis uncovers the untold story of the smock frock, shedding light on its manufacturing processes and its consumption by men from various trades. Spanning across England and international export markets like Australia, the book explores the widespread adoption and decline of this utilitarian workwear style during the late 19th century. It also investigates how the smock frock became a symbol of disappearing "peasant craft" in response to urbanization, and how collectors, influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, preserved it.

In the early 20th century, the smock frock underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming a fashionable choice for women and children alike. Today, it continues to make a comeback in fashion collections, with designers like Molly Goddard reviving this timeless piece. Alison Toplis' comprehensive study brings together extensive visual and material cultures, unraveling a new and captivating history of the smock frock. This book is a valuable contribution to dress history, offering a fresh perspective on a garment that has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and social landscape of England over the centuries.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 240 x 163 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350126114