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Pair of Sleeve Ruffles thumbnail 2
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Not currently on display at the V&A

Pair of Sleeve Ruffles

ca. 1750 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Sleeve ruffles were an important accessory to fashionable dress for both men and women in the 18th century. While many were of plain muslin or whitework embroidery, lace was worn by those who could afford it. The design, overall shape and number of ruffles (for women, one, two or even three layers) changed with fashion during the course of the century. This pair is typical of the mid-century, with a symmetrical design starting from a wide centre, tapering towards the ends. The quality of the lace is indicated by the variation in individual flower motifs, and the number of different filling stitches used.

The very fine, soft, thread used for Mechlin lace made it particularly suitable for accessories like sleeve ruffles where it was required to drape and fall loosely in delicate folds.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Sleeve Trimming
  • Sleeve Trimming
Materials and techniques
Bobbin lace worked in linen thread
Brief description
Pair of sleeve ruffles, Mechlin bobbin lace, c.1750
Physical description
Pair of sleeve ruffles in Mechlin bobbin lace. Deep in centre, tapering towards narrower ends. Very fine work, with pattern in point repeat from central axis at the ruffles' deepest point. Design of flowers in cartouches and feathery leaves. Later footing loosely tacked on.
Dimensions
  • Length: 322mm ( )
  • Width: 250mm
  • Part a length: 362mm
  • Part a width: 300mm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Lady Ludlow
Summary
Sleeve ruffles were an important accessory to fashionable dress for both men and women in the 18th century. While many were of plain muslin or whitework embroidery, lace was worn by those who could afford it. The design, overall shape and number of ruffles (for women, one, two or even three layers) changed with fashion during the course of the century. This pair is typical of the mid-century, with a symmetrical design starting from a wide centre, tapering towards the ends. The quality of the lace is indicated by the variation in individual flower motifs, and the number of different filling stitches used.

The very fine, soft, thread used for Mechlin lace made it particularly suitable for accessories like sleeve ruffles where it was required to drape and fall loosely in delicate folds.
Collection
Accession number
T.54&A-1949

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Record createdMay 15, 2007
Record URL
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