Apron worn by members of Douglas Dorcas Society

Date made: late 19th century

Maker: unknown

Place made: Douglas

Description: This apron was an item of uniform worn by members of the Douglas Dorcas Society, the oldest charity on the Isle of Man. It was worn over their own clothing to protect it, when the members of the society met together to sew garments for the poor.

The apron is red with white pin spots.

The Dorcas Society took its name from the Book of Acts. It was established on 1st December 1834, apparently to provide items of clothing and blankets to the poor of Douglas following the outbreak of Cholera, during which many items of clothing and bedding had been burnt to prevent infection. Clothing and other necessities were distributed at Thomas Street Chapel. The society continued to hand make garments until the 1920s. Following the Isle of Man example, Dorcas Societies sprang up in other parts of the British Isles.

Measurements: overall: 80 cm x 70 cm

Materials: cotton

Object name: apron

Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection

ID Number: 1954-4094

Subject tags : SHIC 1.24 - Organisations, Ethnic and nationalist

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