Breeches

Date1725-1750, altered 1850-1920

MediumSilk cut, uncut, and voided velvet; replaced silk linings; thread buttons; wool alteration fabrics

DimensionsL: 23"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-129,2

DescriptionMan's knee breeches of brown voided velvet, part of a suit. Buttoned down center front with vertical fabric extension in which buttonholes are worked. Two deep pockets buttoned on hips. Right side seam pocket with vertical flap. Legs end below knees with metallic braid knee bands or "garters" (intended for buckling closed) and five buttons closing each knee opening. Back waistband adjusts with eyelets for lacing. Full seat. Breeches extended in length with additions of wool to elongate the torso.

Construction History:
1. 1725-1750 Initital Construction
2. 1850-1920 altered; extended at the top with two dofferent broadcloth fabrics, and a watch pocket added in the right waistband. Breeches enlarged at inner legs (possibly using material form the now-missing waistcoat.) Breeches legs lengthened and new metallic band added. Large orange twill wool gusset sewn into center back, deep into the seat; suspender buttons added to breeches top band.
Label TextBreeches from Suit
Britain, 1725-1750, altered 1850-1920
Cut, uncut, and voided silk velvet trimmed with silk thread buttons, lined with later silk, wool alteration fabric
1967-129, 2
A tall, large man would have been too big to wear this diminutive eighteenth-century silk velvet suit without the alterations (see coat 1967-129, 1). Mostly hidden beneath the coat, the breeches had to be lengthened. The breeches rise, or torso length, was extended with wool broadcloth and the legs lengthened and enlarged at the inseams using matching material probably taken from the now-missing waistcoat.
The suit before alterations has an oral tradition of use by Sir William Fleming (1656-1736) of Rydal Hall, Westmorland, Great Britain.
ProvenanceMr. Warner says: "From Rydal Hall, Grasmere, Westmorland, and stated to have been worn by Sir William Fleming".