Shirt
Date1700-1750
OriginEngland
MediumLinen, Binche Lace
DimensionsCenter Front: 11 inches
Center Back: 12 inches
Sleeve Length: 5inches
Sleeve Width: 3.5 inches
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2022-64,5A
DescriptionA very small infant shirt split down the center front trimmed with fine Binche edging lace around the neck and sleeves. The wristbands close with sleeve buttons. Each of the sleeves have been heavily starched and pleated. The neck edge is faced with a very narrow fine linen tape. The shirt is seamed at the shoulder with no side seams. Label TextInfant clothing was commonly produced at home or bought together in sets. A group of 28 pieces of infant clothing came from a house in Dorset, England. While nothing attributed these pieces as a group, the lace, construction techniques, and pattern iron suggests that they were worn together. Infant clothing commonly was made or purchased in large sets. The shirt would have been the first layer on the child’s body, the forehead cloth would tie under the chin with the cap worn over top. The small sleeves tied around the forearm and closed with tiny sleeve buttons or cufflinks.
ProvenanceA collection of 28 pieces of infant clothing (all 2022-64 accession numbers) descended through various branches of the Medlycott family of Ven House in Somerset, England. The baronetcy was created in 1808 and became extinct in 2021 with the death of Sir Mervyn Tregonwell Medilycott, the 9th Baron of Medlycott. Sadly these garments do not have association with specific members of the family, but were all found stored in The Manor House, Sandford Orcas, in Dorset, England, the home of Sir Mervyn Tregonwell Medilycott, the 9th Baron of Medlycott.
