Casgliadau Arlein

Carved wooden staybusk, dated 1789. Inscribed with the initials MC at top. Acquired from Derbyshire, England.

A staybusk is a piece of wood which was inserted into the front of a woman’s stays to keep the torso upright. A busk was often given to a woman as a love token from a suitor. Many were carved or painted with inscriptions and motifs, such as hearts, initials and flowers.