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Golf Costume

ca. 1908 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This smart golf costume was worn by Heather Firbank (1888-1954). It consists of a masculine flat cap, a tailored jacket based upon a man's Norfolk jacket, and matching skirt. The heavy wool tweed would have resisted snags and pulls, and is further reinforced with brown leather cuffs, collar and buttons. During the late 19th century women began regularly participating in active sports other than riding, including tennis and yachting. John Redfern was one of the first couturiers to design special clothing for the new active woman. His beautifully constructed, practical tailored outfits were adopted as everyday wear by his fashionable clients, including royalty and actresses. Other couturiers and dressmakers followed this lead, creating tailored coat and skirt ensembles which could be worn both on and off the sports field.

Heather Firbank was a beautiful, fashionable young woman who bought expensive high-style clothing from leading London couturiers, including Redfern. She bought this outfit from Frederick Bosworth, a ladies' tailor and Court dressmaker who worked from New Burlington Street. Prior to founding his own business in 1902, Frederick Bosworth Mims had been manager of the London branch of Redfern Ltd.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 5 parts.
(Some alternative part names are also shown below)
  • Belt
  • Jacket
  • Golfing Suit Jacket
  • Skirt
  • Golfing Suit Skirt
  • Golfing Cap
  • Hat
  • Golf Club
Materials and techniques
Wool tweed, leather, lined with silk, wood, iron
Brief description
Golf jacket and skirt of wool tweed, with belt, cap and golf club, designed by Frederick Bosworth, London, ca. 1908
Physical description
Norfolk jacket and gored skirt of brown and black striped 'homespun' wool tweed. Modified jacket made in chocolate brown and black striped wool tweed, with a self fabric belt to the jacket. The jacket has a brown leather collar, buttons and cuffs. Peaked woollen cap to match. Lined with cream silk. Wood, leather and iron golf club.
Object history
Worn by Miss Heather Firbank
Summary
This smart golf costume was worn by Heather Firbank (1888-1954). It consists of a masculine flat cap, a tailored jacket based upon a man's Norfolk jacket, and matching skirt. The heavy wool tweed would have resisted snags and pulls, and is further reinforced with brown leather cuffs, collar and buttons. During the late 19th century women began regularly participating in active sports other than riding, including tennis and yachting. John Redfern was one of the first couturiers to design special clothing for the new active woman. His beautifully constructed, practical tailored outfits were adopted as everyday wear by his fashionable clients, including royalty and actresses. Other couturiers and dressmakers followed this lead, creating tailored coat and skirt ensembles which could be worn both on and off the sports field.

Heather Firbank was a beautiful, fashionable young woman who bought expensive high-style clothing from leading London couturiers, including Redfern. She bought this outfit from Frederick Bosworth, a ladies' tailor and Court dressmaker who worked from New Burlington Street. Prior to founding his own business in 1902, Frederick Bosworth Mims had been manager of the London branch of Redfern Ltd.
Collection
Accession number
T.20 to D-1960

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Record createdFebruary 20, 2008
Record URL
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