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Golf jacket and skirt
Frederick Bosworth - Enlarge image
Golf jacket and skirt
- Place of origin:
London, England (made)
- Date:
ca. 1908 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Frederick Bosworth (designer)
- Materials and Techniques:
Wool tweed, leather, lined with silk, wood, iron
- Museum number:
T.20 to D-1960
- Gallery location:
In Storage
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.
