Designed by
Whistler, Vera, American
Manufactured by
Julius Lewis, American, founded 1900
Owned by
Barnett, Etta Moten, American, 1901 - 2004
Date
ca.1965
Medium
.1) cloth with thread and beads
.2ab) cardboard with cord (fiber product)
Dimensions
H x W (.1): 5 7/16 × 24 7/16 in. (13.8 × 62 cm)
H x W (.2a): 18 × 32 1/2 in. (45.7 × 82.6 cm)
Diameter (.2b): 33 in. (83.8 cm)
Description
This is a Vera Whistler hat and hatbox with accompanying lid. The hat (.1) is made of a light silky fabric in a cloche style with a rolled brim. The fabric has a large paisley pattern in dark blues and greens with pink accents against a yellow background. There are pink, yellow and dark blue beads sewed at intervals around the hat. On the inside of the hat is a white Vera Whistler label sewn to the inside of the sweatband. The hatbox (.2a) is a circular cardboard box with vertical stripes along its sides in alternating shades of cream. There is handwritten text in black ink that reads “BEADED CLOCHE” along the side. It has a cream-colored cord to fasten down the lid threaded into the body of the box to create a second loop as a carrying handle. The box lid (.2b) is a shallow circle in white with a cream edge. On the top surface is pale pink cursive writing that reads “VERA / WHISTLER / ORIGINALS / JULIUS LEWIS / MEMPHIS.”
Place purchased
Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, United States, North and Central America
Place used
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Etta Moten Barnett Archive
Classification
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Type
cloches
hatboxes
Topic
Activism
Actors
Broadway Theatre
Clothing and dress
Fashion
Fashion design
Millinery
Singers (Musicians)
Women
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
A2022.13.1.7.1-.2ab
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown – Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd55277358b-d3c6-4049-b959-75b4569d1654

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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