Images(6)

Under Waistcoat

Date1800-1830

OriginEngland, Yorkshire, Naburn, Bell Hall

MediumWool, Linen, Silk (thread identified by eye)

DimensionsCenter Front: 15 3/4 inches Center Back: 19 1/4 inches Chest: 38 inches Waist: 38 inches

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2018-126

DescriptionA thin white bay or flannel wool under waistcoat, faced with red cassimere. The waistcoat is cut in one piece, seamed only at the shoulders. The waistcoat closes down the center front with four red buttons and three matching white buttons. Only the collar and facing that extends two thirds down the front are made up with the red cassimere. The garment is unlined on the interior, except for two linen facing strips that run underneath where the white buttons are located and the red cassimere, matching the front facing. All of the edges of the bay are turned once and felled, catching the raw edge to the body of the garment. Three out of four ties remain intact at the center back for adjustment. Collar has not stiffening on the interior. All edges on the red wool facing and collar are carefully turned with the exception of the lower and exterior edges of the facing. They are left raw and whipped to the white wool body, reducing bulk for the wearer. The shoulder seams are back stitched and the raw edge of the seam allowance is whipped down to the body.
InscribedTag at the neck is inscribed "Baines, Bell Hall"
ProvenanceThis garment descended through the Baines family of Bell Hall in Yorkshire, England. Bell Hall was acquired by the family through a bequest in 1710 from Sarah Hewley, when upon her death gave the estate to her grandson, Hewley Baines (1693-1760). The estate then passed onto his son Hewley Baines (1721-1800) and then to Col. Hewley John Baines (1762-1830)

It is believed that this under waistcoat belong to Col. Hewley John Baines (1762-1830) as his dates work best with the styling of the garment. Baines married Mary Mortimer (1762-1826) in 1786 and had one son and three daughters. Baines served as Captain in the York Volunteers in 1794, promoted to Major in 1796, and Lt. Colonel in 1803.