This topic has been brewing in my mind for some time, and I was prompted to post on it due to American Duchesses’ post about stays, and Abby of Stay-ing Alive’s survey (which you should take if you haven’t!). This post is based on my experience working for museums, and is meant to provide a greater insight into how we (as historical costumers), can use them. Museums are a fantastic resource for historical costumers.  As the caretakers of historical artifacts, they hold the ultimate resources: original garments.  They also frequently supply valuable research on original garments.   However Museums are not infallible. Everything that a museum or its representatives says or writes is not necessarily accurate.  As a more-than-averagely intelligent person (I automatically assume that anyone who reads my blog is more-than-averagely intelligent!) with a particular interest and background in the area, you should feel free to question and improve on their information. The Tate identifies this woman as “heavily pregnant”, but American Duchess suggested that the ‘pregnancy’ is in illusion/affectation provided by the fashions …