This set of scrapbooks was given to the Ryerson Library on February 3, 1925 as a gift in memory of Mrs. James Watson. The scrapbooks include plates and other illustrations from fashion magazines such as Godey's (1830-1898), La Bon Ton (1834-1881), Modes de la Paris (1859-1882), The Season (1865-1899), and Le Moniteur de la Mode (1843-1913). The plates and illustrations are arranged in chronological order and tend to be grouped by publication.

While it is not certain Mrs. James Watson compiled the two-volume set, it seems likely that she did. James Watson was involved in the printing industry during the 19th century and could have easily had access to these types of magazines.

1. Scrapbook plate from Le Moniteur de la Mode (1857).
2. Scrapbook plate from Moniteur des Dames et des Demoiselles (1871).
3. Scrapbook plate from Demorest's Illustrated Monthly Magazine (October 1877).
4. Scrapbook plate from The Season (October 1885).