Gauging Collection

Illustration showing a woman worker, gauging watch springs at the American Watch Company, in their factory at Waltham
5310722 Illustration showing a woman worker, gauging watch springs at the American Watch Company, in their factory at Waltham, Mass. 1885; (add.info.: Date: 1885); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Whalers gauging oil in barrels, from The American Whale Fishery, c. 1850 (engraving)
1147279 Whalers gauging oil in barrels, from The American Whale Fishery, c.1850 (engraving) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; Peter Newark American Pictures; American

Portrait of Marie-Charlotte de la Tremouille, Duchess of Saxe-Iena
CH441504 Portrait of Marie-Charlotte de la Tremouille, Duchess of Saxe-Iena, dressed as an allegory of Geomtery (oil on canvas) by Beaubrun

Woolwich Arsenal, Torpedoes and Shells (litho)
1595644 Woolwich Arsenal, Torpedoes and Shells (litho) by Almond, William Douglas (1866-1916); Private Collection; (add.info.: Woolwich Arsenal, Torpedoes and Shells)

SULLEN GIRL IN CAPE
Unhappy girl in a party frock, apple green silk cloak with rows of gauging (shirring) across the shoulders & a ruched collar, calf length socks & ballet slippers. Date: 1930s

TEENAGE EVENING GOWN
Victorian Fantasie: Evening gown for a teenage girl in red spotted taffeta with ecru lace edging to the square neckline. Gauging & tiny tucks ornament the skirt & puffed sleeves. Date: 1930s

Gauging wine casks at London Docks, c1900 (1901). From Living London, Vol. 1, edited by George R. Sims. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris, New York & Melbourne, 1901]

Frilly Fashions 1892
Blue: yoke bodice, sleeves (3 vandyked flounces, pleated transparent flared cuffs). Brown: wrap-over coat bodice, frilled revers, gored skirt, gigot sleeves, broad belt. Date: 1892

Princess Lind Dress 1880
French fashions: princess dresses with tie-back skirts ornamented with embroidered panels, flounces & gauging or in lilac with lace, gauging & a quilted & trained skirt. Date: 1880

Wine gaugers and salt merchants, 1501 (xylograph) (b / w photo)
XIR180005 Wine gaugers and salt merchants, 1501 (xylograph) (b/w photo) by French School, (16th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: les jaugeurs de vin et les porteurs de sel; ); French

Thermometer, tyre pump and bicycle wheel and tyre

Fashions 1 July 1883
Girl: long bodice & kilted skirt. Women: jacket bodice, waistcoat front, horizontal bands of gaging & puffing on the skirt; black beaded mantle, flounces & apron front Date: 1883

Costume / Photo by Watson
Man: frock coat. Woman: jacket body, gauging & buttons on the cuff, ruff at the neck, draped tunic & a skirt with pleated flounces of varying depth & a very severe hairstyle

Advert / Hats / Simeon 1920
A hat selection from Verlaine of Paris: a large beret reminiscent of those from 1820s - 1840s; a soft brimless hat & a hat with an angled crown & double brim

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Gauging, an art of measurement and assessment, has been a vital practice throughout history. From the whalers meticulously gauging oil in barrels during the American Whale Fishery in 1850 to the wine gaugers at London Docks in 1900, this skill has played a crucial role in various industries. Intriguingly, even portraits like that of Marie-Charlotte de la Tremouille, Duchess of Saxe-Iena, capture the essence as it symbolizes her ability to gauge emotions and navigate social situations with grace and poise. Similarly, Woolwich Arsenal's litho depiction of torpedoes and shells showcases how precision is paramount when gauging explosive materials. Fashion also embraces the concept of gauging. Whether it be a sullen girl draped in a cape or a teenage evening gown adorned with frills from 1892, these garments were carefully tailored to fit perfectly by taking precise measurements. The Princess Lind Dress from 1880 exemplifies how fashion designers have long relied on accurate gauges to create stunning ensembles. Even everyday objects like thermometers and tyre pumps rely on accurate measurements for their functionality. A bicycle wheel and tyre are useless without proper inflation levels determined through careful gauge readings. Throughout time, businesses have recognized the importance for trade purposes too. The Army and Navy Stores Catalogue from 1939-40 featured pages dedicated to measuring instruments such as scales and rulers - indispensable tools for commerce. Lastly, historical xylographs depict wine gaugers alongside salt merchants from 1501 - reminding us that even centuries ago people understood that precise measurements were essential for fair transactions. From oil barrels to emotional intelligence; explosives to elegant gowns; bicycles to ancient trade practices - all these diverse aspects revolve around one common theme: Gauging plays an integral role across different domains throughout history.