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Court Coat and Waistcoat

ca. 1800 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This ensemble is typical of men’s court dress at the end of the 18th century. Although the most formal style of dress worn, it was not the most fashionable. By 1800, rich fabrics and embroidery were no longer in style for men’s suits. The standing collar, curving coat fronts and waistcoat style are also old fashioned, representing the cut and shape seen in the 1780s.

However, the requirements of court dress kept alive the textile and embroidery industries of the 18th century. The embroidery for the coat and waistcoat were done first, in the areas where it was required for the finished garment. Although made of different fabrics the coat and waistcoat share the same embroidery design. They would have been sold together by a silk mercer, then taken to the tailor to be made to fit the purchaser.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Coat
  • Waistcoat
Materials and techniques
Silk, cotton, chenille and silk thread, pleated, hand-sewn, hand-embroidered, and later machine stitched, and with linen pockets and lined with satin
Brief description
Tweedale court dress suit consisting of an embroidered coat and waistcoat, possibly made in England or Scotland, ca. 1800
Physical description
Man's court dress suit consisting of an embroidered coat and waistcoat.
Dimensions
  • T.111 1985 length: 125cm (Note: Coat)
  • T.111 1985 circumference: 113cm (Note: Chest measurement for Coat)
  • T.111 a 1985 length: 79.5cm (Note: Waistcoat)
  • T.111 a 1985 circumference: 113.2cm (Note: Chest measurement for Waistcoat)
Credit line
Given by Lady Caroline Tyrell
Object history
Registered File number 1984/2198. A pair of matching velvet breeches would have completed this suit.
The suit is associated with the Tweedale family.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This ensemble is typical of men’s court dress at the end of the 18th century. Although the most formal style of dress worn, it was not the most fashionable. By 1800, rich fabrics and embroidery were no longer in style for men’s suits. The standing collar, curving coat fronts and waistcoat style are also old fashioned, representing the cut and shape seen in the 1780s.

However, the requirements of court dress kept alive the textile and embroidery industries of the 18th century. The embroidery for the coat and waistcoat were done first, in the areas where it was required for the finished garment. Although made of different fabrics the coat and waistcoat share the same embroidery design. They would have been sold together by a silk mercer, then taken to the tailor to be made to fit the purchaser.
Collection
Accession number
T.111&A-1985

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Record createdJuly 19, 2007
Record URL
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