Falling Band
Date1640-1645
OriginEngland
MediumLinen
DimensionsOL: 27 1/2"; OD: 7 1/4"; (lace) W: 2 3/8"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1956-144
DescriptionWhite linen turn-down collar or 'falling band' edged with wide scalloped bobbin lace of linen. Collar stitched to heavier linen band for fitting around the neck.Label TextWhite Linen Collar or "Falling Band"
England, 1640-1645
Linen, linen bobbin lace
1956-144
The term "falling band" describes the transition away from heavily starched standing ruffs, or bands, that men and women wore around their necks before about 1640. After that date, people wore softer collars that appeared to have "fallen" to lay flat against the shoulders, such as this example. A collar made as a separate accessory was easily removed for laundering. Pristine white linen accessories indicated status and gentility, because the wearer was wealthy enough to change linens as they got soiled. The collar comes with matching removable cuffs.
ProvenanceEx coll: Warwick (per vendor).
Exhibition(s)
1780-1830
1797-1810
1780-1830
1700-1750
1760-1784
1750-1800
Seventeenth century
Seventeenth century
1800-1820
ca. 1790
ca. 1770
1820-1840