Summary

Heavy cream canvas straitjacket worn by some female patients as a restraining device at a mental health hospital - Mayday Hills Hospital, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, circa 1900. Alternative Name(s): Straightjacket

Physical Description

Well-worn and much-mended straitjacket made from heavy cream canvas; mended at different times with blue-striped canvas and red-striped canvas. Neckline has been padded with stockinet to minimise chafing. Pockets have been replaced and jacket has been patched, darned and re-darned. Jacket is fastened by six metal buckles on leather straps; sleeves end in deep pockets. Jacket has been subjected to immense pulling pressure at the shoulders.

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