Images(8)

Breeches

Dateca. 1760

OriginEngland, Nottinghamshire

MediumWool, linen, silk, leather, gold, and wood

DimensionsBreeches: Inseam: 17.5 inchest Outseam: 20 inches Waist: 37 inches

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2022-38,3

DescriptionThe matching breeches are lined in a slightly napped linen or fustian. Matching gold garters close around the bottom of the knee and are lined with a thin leather on the ends. The breeches have two sets of pockets, one on the front made of leather and two fob pockets that enter through the top of the waistband, also made of leather. Four metallic buttons close the knees of the breeches, while the other buttons are made from the matching cloth. All the edges of the breeches are left raw except for the waistband which is turned.
Label TextBroadcloth suits were a staple of American and British wardrobes. This suit descends through the White family of Nottinghamshire, England. While it came to auction with several garments belonging to Sir Thomas Woollaston White (1767-1817), stylistically it dates earlier. It may have belonged to his father, Lt. Col. Taylor White (1743-1795) or Grandfather Taylor White (1701-1772). His grandfather was a fellow of the Royal Society, acted as treasurer of the Foundling Hospital, and active Naturalist with over 900 watercolor images located in the collection of McGill University. The White's family seat is known as Wallingwells.