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Waistcoat thumbnail 2
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Waistcoat

1630-1639 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Silver spangles (sequins) and drawn-thread and pulled-thread work adorn this woman's linen waistcoat. In this type of needlework, strands of the woven linen are cut and pulled away. The remaining warp or weft threads are then embroidered together to create an openwork effect, in this case a grid of squares and circles. Spangles arranged in a diaper pattern further enhance the geometric pattern of the needlework. The waistcoat's simple style with a high waist and elbow-length, full sleeves is characteristic of the 1630s.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Linen, linen thread, silver spangles; hand-sewn, hand-embroidered, bobbin lace
Brief description
A woman's linen waistcoat, English, 1630-1639; linen with drawn-thread-and-pulled-fabric work, embroidered with silver spangles, edged with bobbin lace.
Physical description
The waistcoat is made of linen and is unlined. It has a high round neck and opens at the front. The sleeves are elbow length and very full, set deep into the back, with tie fastenings at the wrist. Gores added at the hem add fullness below the waist. The neck, front and hem are edged with bobbin lace. The waistcoat is decorated all over with drawn-thread-and-pulled-fabric work, and embroidered with silver spangles
Dimensions
  • Shoulder to centre front length: 53.5cm (approx)
  • Bust under armholes circumference: 70.0cm (approx)
Object history
The waistcoat was cleaned by Messrs. Pullar at a cost of 2s. 6d., 26th August, 1903. (see RF 92400/1903)

Purchased from Mrs Henry Bompas in 1903. Registered File number 82323/1903, 6163/1903.
Subject depicted
Summary
Silver spangles (sequins) and drawn-thread and pulled-thread work adorn this woman's linen waistcoat. In this type of needlework, strands of the woven linen are cut and pulled away. The remaining warp or weft threads are then embroidered together to create an openwork effect, in this case a grid of squares and circles. Spangles arranged in a diaper pattern further enhance the geometric pattern of the needlework. The waistcoat's simple style with a high waist and elbow-length, full sleeves is characteristic of the 1630s.
Bibliographic reference
Hart, Avril and Susan North, Historical Fashion in Detail: the 17th and 18th centuries, London: V&A, 1998, p. 196
Collection
Accession number
324-1903

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Record createdJanuary 2, 2007
Record URL
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