Coat
Date1780-1810
OriginEngland
MediumRibbed silk, embroidered with silk; replaced silk lining.
DimensionsOL: 46"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1953-837,1
DescriptionMan's coat of purple ribbed silk, embroidered with multicolor silks on standing collar, down fronts, around pocket flaps, on cuffs, and surrounding the center back vent. Design consists of floral sprays with white dandelion-type flowers in greens, reds, blue and cream. Coat has high standing collar, exaggerated cutaway fronts, nine one-inch embroidered buttons with two functional buttonholes at chest. Shaped pocket flaps with functional pockets of linen and silk. Sleeves curve over elbows and end in five-inch embroidered cuffs trimmed with three embroidered buttons. Back has center vent, embroidered, and slim pleats on either side, topped by button at each pleat. Replaced lining of white silk. Color of coat was originally bright purple, now faded.Construction History:
1. 1780-1810: Initial Construction
2. March 28, 1956: Cleaning, checking, restoring by Ernest LoNano.
ProvenanceEx. Coll. James Frere, Bluemantle Pursuivant of the College of Heralds. Paper in file reads, "V & A examined & described. On show at London Museum, Lancaster House, just before war. No room at Kensington Palace so owner sold to us-- 2/3 of whole coll-- most of major things."
