Costume and Textiles Child's Dress with Attached Support (Machine for Exercising Children) Made in United States, North and Central Americac. 1847 George W. Tuttle, American, 1826 - 1856 Printed cotton and wool plain weave, cotton plain weave, cotton batting, silk/cotton fringe, cotton cord * Costume and Textiles Study Gallery, Perelman Building, second floor 1998-162-54 Gift of the heirs of Paul D. I. and Anna Shinn Maier, 1998 |
LabelThis decorated dress is actually a “machine for exercising children” patented by George Tuttle in 1847. Padded straps under the skirt went between the child’s legs, while the chest buttons attached to straps that went to a spring hanging from above. Tuttle’s “baby jumper” became very popular, since bouncing in one was said to not only amuse children but make them healthy and strong.* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
