The Giantess of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia - Anna Swan

      2023 - an amazing year - with a 'giant' assignment!!!                    

    

          Making a replica of Anna Swan, Giantess, was a wonderful opportunity to  create a historical replication of the famous Anna Swan, Giantess.  She was born just outside of Tatamagouche in New Annan, August 6, 1846.  Anna's recorded height was 7 feet 11 inches.

        This was an interesting assignment, contracted by the Creamery Square Heritage Society's museum in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia.  This project included a lot of interesting research on the fashion trend of her time period; how to make a mannequin to her size;  designing shoulders, arms and hands; in addition to the underpinnings that were required to give the final gown it's perfect shape, not to mention drafting patterns for a giantess!!!

         During the entire process - start to finish - I kept scupulous notes, and it is my intention to write a complete journal detailing each step along the way. 

            There is a special room on the second floor of the Creamery Square Heritage Society's museum that is dedicated to Anna Swan.  The entrance to this room has an original door from her home in Seville, Ohio!

             Terri Scott, (the gal on the right in the striped shirt), was most kind to help me assemble Anna in the museum.  It was rather amusing carrying her mannequin up the stairs!

Despite all the pieces - mannequin assembly, hooped crinoline, bustle pads, 3 layer under skirt, velvet skirts, apron, bustle, peplum, lace cuffs, 'kid' gloves, jacket, collar and lace jabot - it went together rather quickly... I think it was less than 45 minutes!!  She was ready to make her first appearance on the July 1st weekend, 2023!

            Should you ever be in Nova Scotia, the trip to Tatamagouche is not only beautiful but has some of the best attractions and quaint little shops along the north shore of the province!! 

Be sure to pay her a visit and meet the wonderful staff at the Creamery Square Heritage Society, in their famous museum!