This Flying Harness is part of the collections of the Victorian and Albert Museum. It was created in 1904 by George Kirby, for use in creating flying effects on stage.

Physical description

Heavy twill cotton or canvas flying harness in the form of a lady’s corset with leather shoulder straps, straps with holes punched to fasten into metal buckles, straps to fasten between the wearer’s legs, and inset panels of leather back and front. The back leather panel was originally fitted with a device to hook and unhook the wearer into a flying line.

Object history note

Made by George Kirby to be used in the flying scenes of the original production of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan , Duke of York’s Theatre, 27 December 1904.

For a lot more info and photos, visit it’s page on the V&A web site.

I don’t know about anyone else, but I see a lot of steampunk potential in this one.  I particularly love the fact that it was made for stage, just as some of the more elaborate steampunk props out there currently are being made by professional and amateur stage and film prop builders.  It’s also historic functional proof that corsets can make an outstanding foundation for more elaborate and heavy costume extensions and prop pieces, such as wings and packs.