{"title":"Alison Toplis","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlison Toplis explores the rich tapestry of cultural history through her engaging and meticulously researched works. Her books, such as \u003cem\u003eThe Hidden History of the Smock Frock\u003c\/em\u003e, invite readers to discover the stories woven into everyday objects and traditional crafts, revealing layers of meaning beyond the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a keen eye for detail and a passion for heritage, Toplis’ writing offers a fresh perspective on arts and culture, making the past accessible and compelling. Her collections are perfect for readers fascinated by the intersection of history, craftsmanship, and social customs.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-hidden-history-of-the-smock-frock-by-alison-toplis-9781350212640","title":"The Hidden History of the Smock Frock","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinner of the Association of Dress Historians Book of the Year Award, 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally associated with rural ways of life in England, often hand-crafted and held up as one of the only items of English folk dress to survive into the 20th century, the smock frock is an object of curiosity in many museum collections. Drawing on a wide variety of sources from surviving garments to newspapers and photographs, \u003cem\u003eThe Hidden History of the Smock Frock\u003c\/em\u003e reveals the hidden history of the smock frock to present new social histories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDiscussing the smock frock in its widest contexts, Alison Toplis explores how garments were handmade and manufactured by the ready-made clothing industry, and bought by men of different trades. She traces the smock frock’s usage across England as well as in export markets such as Australia. Following the garment’s decline in the late 19th century, the book investigates how this essentially utilitarian style of workwear came to be held up as an example of disappearing ‘peasant’ craft in an emotional response to urbanisation, and how it was preserved by collectors under the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAround the turn of the 20th century, the smock frock was reinvented as both women’s and children’s wear and is now regularly revived in fashion collections by the likes of Molly Goddard. Drawing together extensive visual and material cultures, Alison Toplis unravels a new history of the smock frock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47464356413676,"sku":"9781350212640","price":54.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781350212640-the-hidden-history-of-the-smock-frock.jpg?v=1775047983"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/alison-toplis.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}