Cecil Willett Cunnington

Cecil Willett Cunnington 1935

Cecil Willett Cunnington (1878–1961) was a prominent British costume historian and author. He is best known for his extensive work on the history of fashion and dress, contributing significantly to the field through his numerous publications and research.

Early Life and Education

Cunnington was born in 1878. Details about his early life and education are sparse, but it is known that he developed an interest in the history of costume and fashion at a young age.

Career

Cunnington's career was marked by his dedication to the study of historical costumes. He authored several influential books on the subject, which have been widely referenced by scholars and enthusiasts of fashion history. His works often focused on the social and cultural contexts of clothing, providing insights into how fashion evolved over different periods.

Notable Works

Some of Cunnington's most notable publications include:

• English Women's Clothing in the Nineteenth Century (1937)
• Handbook of English Costume in the Twentieth Century, 1900-1950 (1952)
• The History of Underclothes (1951), co-authored with his wife, Phyllis Cunnington

Contributions to Costume History

Cunnington's meticulous research and detailed documentation have made significant contributions to the field of costume history. His work has helped to preserve the knowledge of historical dress and has provided a foundation for future research in the field.

Personal Life

Cunnington was married to Phyllis Cunnington, who was also a noted costume historian. Together, they collaborated on several projects and publications, further enriching the study of fashion history.

Legacy

Cunnington's legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, which continues to be a valuable resource for historians, researchers, and anyone interested in the history of fashion. His contributions have ensured that the study of costume history remains a vibrant and important field of academic inquiry.

Selected Bibliography

• English Women's Clothing in the Nineteenth Century (1937)
• Handbook of English Costume in the Twentieth Century, 1900-1950 (1952)
• The History of Underclothes (1951)

See Also

• History of fashion
• Costume history
• Phyllis Cunnington