Coat thumbnail 1
Coat thumbnail 2
+3
images
Not on display

Coat

1785-1790 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The most remarkable feature of this otherwise unadorned frock coat is its eccentrically coloured, fake leopard spot pattern. The imitation markings, woven with black and white silk, are part of the pile of a turquoise velvet. Such a whimsical pattern was common in men’s fashions in the 1770s and 1780s. A portrait of John Campbell, Baron of Cawdor painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds, in 1778, shows a similar leopard spot pattern in a more natural colouring on a velvet waistcoat.

The collar pointed at the back is characteristic of 1780s style. Longer, tighter sleeves, two small revers (or lapels) at the front and a closer fitting silhouette are also typical of men’s fashion during this decade.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk and linen, hand woven and hand sewn
Brief description
Man's coat of turquoise silk velvet with woven 'leopard spot' pattern, 1785-90, French
Physical description
A man's coat in turquoise silk velvet with a woven 'leopard spot' pattern
Dimensions
  • Overall length from top of collar to bottom of hem length: 120cm
Production typeUnique
Credit line
Given by Mrs R. M. Woods
Summary
The most remarkable feature of this otherwise unadorned frock coat is its eccentrically coloured, fake leopard spot pattern. The imitation markings, woven with black and white silk, are part of the pile of a turquoise velvet. Such a whimsical pattern was common in men’s fashions in the 1770s and 1780s. A portrait of John Campbell, Baron of Cawdor painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds, in 1778, shows a similar leopard spot pattern in a more natural colouring on a velvet waistcoat.

The collar pointed at the back is characteristic of 1780s style. Longer, tighter sleeves, two small revers (or lapels) at the front and a closer fitting silhouette are also typical of men’s fashion during this decade.
Bibliographic reference
Hart, Avril and Susan North, Historical Fashion in Detail: The 17th and 18th Centuries, London: V&A Publications, 1998, p. 76
Collection
Accession number
T.17-1950

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdAugust 15, 2006
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest