Lappet thumbnail 1
Lappet thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Lappet

1750s (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

These lappets formed part of a headdress, known as a ‘lace head’ in the 18th century. It was composed of a curved panel, the cap back, to which two long streamers were attached, called lappets. The whole ensemble was finished with a lace frill. The lappets might be pinned up on top of the head in pleats, but more usually were left to hang loose, fluttering with the slightest movement.

Among the various items of Englishwomen’s fashionable dress for which lace was used in the 18th century, the lace head was a particular focus for the display of wealth and taste. The quality of the lace, the excellence of its design and fine workmanship, and thus its likely expense, would be immediately apparent to observers.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Lappet
  • Lappet
Materials and techniques
Bobbin lace, worked in linen thread
Brief description
Pair of lappets, made 1750s, Brussels
Physical description
Each lappet tapers slightly towards a rounded end, with fairly straight edges. The design is of meandering floral pattern on a fairly open net ground.
Dimensions
  • 781 1890 length: 543mm
  • 781 1890 width: 102mm
  • 781 a 1890 length: 545mm
  • 781 a 1890 width: 103mm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Mrs Harriet Bolckow
Subject depicted
Summary
These lappets formed part of a headdress, known as a ‘lace head’ in the 18th century. It was composed of a curved panel, the cap back, to which two long streamers were attached, called lappets. The whole ensemble was finished with a lace frill. The lappets might be pinned up on top of the head in pleats, but more usually were left to hang loose, fluttering with the slightest movement.

Among the various items of Englishwomen’s fashionable dress for which lace was used in the 18th century, the lace head was a particular focus for the display of wealth and taste. The quality of the lace, the excellence of its design and fine workmanship, and thus its likely expense, would be immediately apparent to observers.
Collection
Accession number
781 & A-1890

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Record createdJune 12, 2006
Record URL
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