Man's Riding Suit
1860-1900 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
The possibility of bad weather and rough terrain on a hunt meant that clothing needed to be wind and water-resistant. The underside of this collar is fitted with a buttoned tab which would have provided some protection against the elements. The button farthest from view could be undone and the collar placed across the chin and fastened to a button on the other side to keep out the wind and rain. In more clement weather, the collar could be pressed flat to create lapels. The rows of padding stitches visible at the neckline secure the canvas interlining in place helping to stiffen the collar and mould it into shape.
Frock coats were better suited to hunting than cutaway tailcoats as the fuller skirts gave a better covering for the upper leg. Surtees’ character Mr Jorrocks was well aware of their benefits and declared, ‘there’s nothin’ like room and flannel;- good long-backed coats, with the waistcoat made equally warm all round, and the back to come down in a flap, and plenty of good well-lined laps to wrap over one’s thighs when it rains.’
Frock coats were better suited to hunting than cutaway tailcoats as the fuller skirts gave a better covering for the upper leg. Surtees’ character Mr Jorrocks was well aware of their benefits and declared, ‘there’s nothin’ like room and flannel;- good long-backed coats, with the waistcoat made equally warm all round, and the back to come down in a flap, and plenty of good well-lined laps to wrap over one’s thighs when it rains.’
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 4 parts.
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Materials and techniques | Superfine wool, fastened with gilt brass buttons |
Brief description | Man's riding habit, 1860-1900, English, with Surrey Stag Hounds Hunt buttons |
Physical description | Man's frock coat, worn for hunting with Surrey Stag Hounds, of superfine red wool fastened with gilt brass buttons. Black velvet riding hat, cream wool breeches |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions | 'Pitt & Co., 50 St Martin's Lane, London' (Stamped on reverse of buttons.) |
Credit line | Given by Messrs Harrods Ltd. |
Object history | This was part of a very large collection of items of dress and accessories which was given to the Museum by Harrods, the department store, in 1913. The collection had been formed by the artist Talbot Hughes, who wrote a book on the history of dress, illustrated with photographs of models wearing items from his collection. A large firm in America had offered to buy the collection and present it to the Metropolitan Museum, New York, but Hughes did not want it to go abroad. At the suggestion of Cecil Harcourt Smith of the V&A, Harrods bought it for £2,500 and gave it to the Museum for the 'public good'. Harrods displayed the collection for three weeks in December 1913. |
Association | |
Summary | The possibility of bad weather and rough terrain on a hunt meant that clothing needed to be wind and water-resistant. The underside of this collar is fitted with a buttoned tab which would have provided some protection against the elements. The button farthest from view could be undone and the collar placed across the chin and fastened to a button on the other side to keep out the wind and rain. In more clement weather, the collar could be pressed flat to create lapels. The rows of padding stitches visible at the neckline secure the canvas interlining in place helping to stiffen the collar and mould it into shape. Frock coats were better suited to hunting than cutaway tailcoats as the fuller skirts gave a better covering for the upper leg. Surtees’ character Mr Jorrocks was well aware of their benefits and declared, ‘there’s nothin’ like room and flannel;- good long-backed coats, with the waistcoat made equally warm all round, and the back to come down in a flap, and plenty of good well-lined laps to wrap over one’s thighs when it rains.’ |
Collection | |
Accession number | T.770-1913 |
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Record created | December 29, 2005 |
Record URL |
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