Code: AQ069
Dimensions:
Antique c 1900 French Girard Mannequin "Buste Grande" Child Form
Embrace the allure of the past and capture the essence of early 20th-century France with this rare and delightfully weathered, yet elegant, Antique c 1900 French Girard Mannequin " Buste Grande" Child Form with Three Quarter Form Torso specifically designed to showcase dedicated lines of children's clothing to be used by mercantile retailers and for tailoring/dressmaking purposes in couture houses of Paris at that time.
This fabulous Antique c 1900 French Girard Mannequin " Buste Grande" Child Form (or strictly speaking it is a dressform for the pedantic) not only serves as a testament to the artistry of the era but also stands as a distinctive décor item, blending history and style seamlessly.
Don't let the opportunity to own a piece of fashion history pass you by! Think of the décor element and flair this eye-catching display item will add as it uniquely displays clothing or jewellery - or simply enjoy the certain French je ne sais quoi this stand-alone item of historic memorabilia will bring to your home décor. Whatever the ultimate purpose intended this really is a charming and historic decorative piece.
It has all the hallmarks of the Adult Mannequin/Dressforms the discerning buyer or collector would expect to find starting with the original lightweight and sculptable papier-mâché torso which is covered in the original fabric bearing the all important EG mark which signifies its authenticity.
It also retains its original ebonised hand turned shapely neck finial and hand turned arm stops which add an aesthetic detail and help to secure the linen covering.
They were highly sought after for their elegance and sophistication making them not only functional but also beautifully decorative items reflective the graciousness and style of the era.
These were an updated version of the earlier historically elegant designs reflective of the Napoleon III period which had featured a classic design of a standing mannequin with a dark covering supported on formed legs wearing wooden or sometimes lead boots.
It stands comfortably and securely on a sturdy ebonised metal rod with square metal base stand. All the wooden components are ebonised giving a more refined finish which adds elegance and sophistication to its aesthetic appeal.
It is in Good Antique Condition with marks and wear etc commensurate and expected with an item of this age. The overall Patina reflects the passage of time adding character to the general aesthetic. It is becoming increasingly rare in general to find mannequins in good condition and Antique Girard children's mannequins stamped with "EG" on the torso, in particular, are quite rare regardless of condition.
Girard mannequins/dressforms are highly regarded in the world of antique mannequins and therefore highly sought after by retailers, fashion designers, collectors and antique enthusiasts alike due to their historical significance, craftsmanship and design which reflected the fashion and style of their time.
The condition of these mannequins can certainly vary; it is to be expected that they will show the signs of age and wear which will include rust spots (from pins etc), minor repairs to the covering of the torso, stains from damp or water damage even. Where there is evidence of old woodworm holes the wood should be treated as a precaution even though it is likely extinct.
They are still highly prized for their historical value and their part in social history - let alone their unique charm!
The Industrial Revolution brought so many changes to the world; plate glass was invented in 1868 and during the 1880s electric lighting was becoming popular and mechanised sewing machines were also making the production of items made by tailors and dressmakers much quicker. This combined with the standardised dressform/mannequin also made it possible to introduce Prêt-à-Porter (ready to wear) items.
All these developments led to the creation of large display windows in the new department stores and Couture Houses that were springing up in major cities - which led to an enjoyable, new and exciting avant-garde pastime - the age of Window Shopping was born!
The origin of the word Mannequin
Historically Fashion shops in Paris ordered dolls made from reeds from Flemish merchants who traversed the rivers Schelde and Oise which provided easy routes from Flanders to Paris. The Flemish merchants wrote ‘manneke(n)’ on their invoices which comes from the Flemish word manneken, commonly interpreted as ‘figurine,’ but its literal translation is ‘little man’ referring to late Middle Ages practice in Flanders whereby public display of even women's clothes was performed by male pages (boys).
The Parisians pronounced this as 'mannequen', hence shifted to 'mannequin' and refers to a model or dress form representing the human body. A mannequin is thus linguistically masculine, not feminine.
Girard of Paris Mannequins
The Girard of Paris family business, founded in the 19th century, boasts a rich history rooted in quality craftsmanship and design. Renowned for their expertise in producing high-quality display figures, their vision was to create mannequins that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing, embodying the elegance and style of the era.
Girard knew that their mannequins or dress forms would be used to display clothing in a way that highlighted the garment's best features, contributing to the evolution of fashion presentation, but that in addition to that tailors and dressmakers needed reliable and adaptable tools for their work and items that could withstand the rigours of regular use in couture shops and fashion houses.
This was all factored in to their designs and their mannequins were meticulously crafted, using materials such as hand-stitched linen and solid beech or maple wood for their stands and bases, neck finials and arm stops. These would all be hand turned to give a pleasing decorative aesthetic and would be offered either a natural polished finish or an ebonised finish.
Although delightfully attractive these wooden parts also performed an essential role in keeping the linen lining in place and providing a sturdy base upon which the forms could stand safely and securely.
Given their understanding of what their clients requirements were one can fully understand why they were the celebrated manufacturers and designers of mannequins during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
They were also known for key innovations that set their products apart. They played a pivotal role, and were instrumental, in transforming fashion retail, making it more visually appealing and customer-friendly in the early 20th century. Girard's mannequins have played a crucial role in the fashion industry, aiding dressmakers and tailors in creating garments with precision for both adults and children.
The EG stamp on the torso of their mannequins is a mark of authenticity, signifying Girard's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, fulfilling all the functional and aesthetic aspirations.
Their legacy in retail and fashion endures, with their influence still visible in modern clothing displays and marketing strategies. Girard's mannequins are valued not only for their practical purposes but also for their contribution to the history of fashion and design. Today, they remain highly admired and sought after by retailers, fashion designers, and collectors alike.
These are some highlighted observations regarding these wonderfully iconic Mannequins and Dressforms:
Historical Value: Over the years these Girard mannequins have remained popular and sought after by collectors and antique enthusiasts alike as decorative pieces appreciated for their historical significance, craftsmanship, functionality and aesthetic appeal to be used in displays for outfits and/or jewellery.
Craftsmanship & Aesthetic Appeal: Their elegant design and attention to detail in the hand crafted construction of Girard mannequins are remarkable hallmarks of the brand adding to their uniqueness and value.
Finishing Touches: The construction of these mannequins often included detailed seam work, some had handstitched seams and sloping seams at the hips and the panelling to the back were typical of vintage and antique tailoring. These and other finishing touches reflected the high level of craftsmanship
High Quality Materials: The typical antique torso incorporate papier-mâché for the body, making them lightweight and sculptable. This was usually made from recycled paper which was then applied on a mould in the shape of a mannequin. After cutting off the mould, the bust was stapled back together and sanded to smooth out any rough edges. The mannequin was then padded and covered with fabric, typically linen which was often handstitched to fit snugly over the form. This provided a durable and smooth surface for dressmaking/tailoring giving the mannequins a refined and professional appearance.
They were then imprinted with the EG logo and marked with size and shape references. This process ensured that each mannequin was unique and tailored to the needs of seamstresses, workshops of couture.
The mannequins or dress forms were used to display clothing in a way that highlighted the garment's best features, contributing to the evolution of fashion presentation.
Adjustable Stands: Some Girard mannequin models come with the added versatility of an adjustable stands which made them highly desirable for tailors and dressmakers who needed to display and fit garments of various lengths.
Sturdy Base and Stand: The stands and base are made from wood (beech or maple) and this comprises of a hand turned wooden columns on a tripod stand which added to their stability, ensuring they could withstand regular use in couture shops and fashion houses. Those which had the height adjustable feature had a turnkey which is embossed Girard and fixed on to the column below the torso form.
The wooden stands and other hand turned components such as the neck finials and arm stops were sometimes polished to a natural colour or were ebonised giving a more refined finish which added elegance and sophistication to their aesthetic appeal.
Decorative Neck Finial and Arm Stops: The neck of the mannequin was supplied with a hand turned shapely finial and hand turned arm stops which added an aesthetic detail and helped secure the linen covering. All the wooden components would be polished to the same colour as the base.
Versatility: The mannequins were designed to be used for a wide range of clothing, from children's garments to adult attire. This versatility made them popular among tailors and dressmakers who needed reliable and adaptable tools for their work.
Standardisation of Sizes: The use of mannequins helped standardise clothing sizes, making it easier for customers to find garments that fit well. This was particularly important as mass production of clothing became more common.
Revolutionising Visual Merchandising: Girard mannequins allowed retailers to create more realistic and appealing displays, which helped attract customers and showcase clothing in a more relatable way.
Enhanced Store Layouts: The use of mannequins allowed for more creative and dynamic store layouts. Retailers could create themed displays and focal points that guided customers through the store, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Influence on Fashion Trends: Mannequins played a role in setting and spreading fashion trends. Retailers could quickly update their displays to reflect the latest styles, influencing customer preferences and driving demand for new fashions.
Fashion Trends: Mannequins played a role in setting and spreading fashion trends. Retailers could quickly update their displays to reflect the latest styles, influencing customer preferences and driving demand for new fashions.
Cultural Impact: Mannequins became symbols of fashion and style, reflecting the changing aesthetics and cultural trends of the time. They were not just functional tools but also artistic representations of the idealized human form.
Increased Sales: By displaying clothing on mannequins, retailers could highlight the fit and style of garments, leading to increased sales. Customers could better visualize how the clothes would look on them, which encouraged purchases.
Purchase with Confidence
Mainland UK Delivery Included: Enjoy the convenience of complimentary Mainland UK delivery (excluding Trade Purchases), ensuring your cherished pieces arrive safely at your door. Delivery is usually 2-5 working days from receipt of cleared funds in our bank account.
Transparent Condition Details: For a complete understanding of each item's condition, please examine all provided photographs. These images form a crucial part of our detailed condition report, offering clear insights into the meticulous craftsmanship and quality of this exquisite item.
Trusted Heritage: We are an established and successful business with many happy clients from both trade and private sectors. You are welcome to visit our beautiful showroom in West Sussex to experience our exquisite collection firsthand.
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