History major Joy Curry is featured in this year's Dare to Discover campaign. The campaign showcases researchers, scholars, and creators from across the University of Iowa. The campaign is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research.
Read about Joy's research into historical fashion here, and check out her banner on Washington Street in Iowa City!
Joy continued her research during an early January trip to Colonial Williamsburg. She tells us:
"Since my research is centered on eighteenth century stays, I visited Colonial Williamsburg to access their collections and look at some examples in person. The Williamsburg collections encompasses a broad range of examples, including pairs worn by children, leather stays, and a diverse range of shaping styles. Previously I had examined stays by looking at digitized photos, so it was immensely valuable to see how they occupy three-dimensional space and to get a close look at the fine details of their stitching and overall construction.
"The tailors and mantua-makers at Williamsburg are incredibly knowledgeable and well-versed in experimental history, so getting to speak with them was a massive benefit to my research. Master Tailor Mark Hutter shared valuable insights into his experience patterning and creating stays, including showing reproductions that he had made himself and actual baleen!
"I am grateful beyond words to the Office of Undergraduate Research for funding this trip; it has allowed me to further my understanding of stays and connect with experts on the topic in ways that would not have been possible otherwise."
Joy is advised by Elizabeth Yale, PhD, assistant professor, Department of History and University of Iowa Center for the Book, and Rosemary Moore, PhD, distinguished associate professor of instruction, departments of History and Classics.
