Images(3)

Waistcoat

Date1785-1795

MediumSilk, wool, linen, wood

DimensionsCenter front: 20.25 inches Center back to vent: 29 inches Center back to hem: 22.5 inches Chest: 35 inches Waist: 30 inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-28

DescriptionDouble breasted waistcoat made from a textile with an alternating plain white silk satin stripe and a white piled velvet printed with blue and black faux animal spots. The fronts of the waistcoat are fully interlined in a soft white wool and further lined in silk over top. The back is now split and adjusted with two buckles as seen on other waistcoats within the Littlepage collection. Back panels are a single layer and made from a twilled linen with a long pile on each side of the material. Cross or welted pockets are on the front panels with pocket bags made from natural linen. The narrow 10.5 inch fabric made for careful piecing around the armscye and should seams.

Construction History:
1) Initial Construction 1785-1795
2) Back split and buckles removed, post 1802
Label TextThis waistcoat belonged to Lewis Littlepage of Virginia and was probably worn while he served as a Chamberlain and diplomat to the Court of Poland between 1785-1795.
ProvenanceThis waistcoat was worn by Lewis Little page (1762-1802) who was born in New Kent County, Virginia. Littlepage died in 1802, leaving his small estate to his stepbrother Waller Holladay. The surviving objects passed directly through the Holladay Family until gifted to the Valentine Museum in 1952 by Mr. and Mrs. A. Randolph Holladay II. In 2022, the objects were transferred to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Inventories taken after his death list numerous waistcoats:

"Cloaths of Lewis Littlepage not to be found in his trunk...6 waistcoats - 5 mentioned in Mr. Stevenson's list"

"List of cloathes belonging to Lewis Littlepage thaken from the information of Jacob David Wacker, August 16, 1802....24 waistcoats at least"

"List of cloathes found in the trunk of Lewis Littlepage 19th day of August 1802...18 waistcoats"

"List of cloathes formerly the property of my brother Lewis Littlepage decd taken 31st Janaury 1804...8 waistcoats of different descriptions.....5 waistcoats (Court Dress)."