Cage Crinoline "A Favorite of the Empress" by Unknown Maker

Sarah Lees, a museum curator, and Beth Bacon, an art enthusiast, co-host a podcast called 'Why Do They Put That in a Museum?' In this episode, talk about the cage crinoline, an undergarment from Victorian England that's currently in London's Victoria and Albert Museum. It's basically the hoop inside the hoop skirts that were popular in the 1860's. No one knows who made it. So what's it doing in a museum? Is it beautiful? Not really. Was it associated with a famous person? Maybe (or maybe not). Was it technically innovative? Listen to the podcast and decide.

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© 2025 Why'd They Put That In A Museum podcast hosts Beth Bacon and Sarah Lees.