Vice Lord Lieutenant's uniform worn by Brian Rix (1924-2016), ca. 1987

Vice Lord Lieutenant’s uniform worn by Brian Rix (1924-2016), ca.1987.

S.277:1-2019 (jacket)

Navy wool jacket with a small upright collar. The jacket has wool epaulettes at both shoulders, each embellished with a large gold rose (the ‘Tudor Rose’) together with a smaller round button embossed with a crown which is framed by a pair of laurel leaves.

The jacket fastens at the centre front with a vertical row of five silver buttons, each featuring a crown enclosed within laurel leaves. It has four pockets, one at the base of each front panel and another at the top of the proper left and proper right front panels. These upper pockets are secured with a single silver button. Two further pairs of silver buttons are also presented on each cuff.

Smaller versions of the same buttons and lengths of navy cord has been sued to decorate the two bands of red wool which outline the proper left and proper right front edge of the collar.

The interior of the coat is lined with navy viscose. A detachable band of white cotton (showing some evidence of wear and discolouration) is attached to the interior of the collar with a band of Velcro. A small further strip of Velcro is also present at the interior of the proper left front panel (near the centre fastening).

A medal ribbon with medal ribbons for the Knights Batchelor and CBE medals and service medals (one green/orange/black striped medal ribbon - a Defence Medal – and the second with a blue/white/red medal ribbon – a War Medal) is present above the proper left top pocket.

The jacket is largely plain, but there are two large metal loops (to support a belt) at the proper left and proper right waist.

S.277:2-2019 (trousers)

Dark navy wool trousers with a thick band of red wool running down each side seam. The trousers fasten at the centre front with a 25.5cm zip and a hook and bar fastening at the waist line. A further fabric tab is positioned at the waist behind the zip and secured to a small button at the proper left front. Three pairs of white buttons are positioned around the waistband (where they could be secured to braces).

The waistband is straight at the front, but curves up slightly at the rear to meet in two raise triangular points at the centre back.

The legs of the trousers have a clearly defined crease at the centre front and two leather straps, one pierced, the other with matching buckle, extend from each ankle.

There is a small curved functional pocket set into the proper right interior waist.

S.277:3-2019 (cap)

Stiff navy wool cap. The crown of the cap is bound with a wide band of red wool is decorated with a gold metal ‘Tudor Rose’ at the Centre Front. Beneath this, and above the brim, there is a narrow curved band of black PVC[?]. This follows the line of the brim and is decorated at either end with a silver button (embossed with a crown). The semi-circular brim is formed from black PVC[?] and decorated large laurel leaves formed from metallic gold thread.

The interior of the cap is lined with a plastic based material, with a band of black velvet facing running around the front interior edge of the cap. A black label woven with gold text and marked ‘GIEVES & HAWKES/No. 1 Savile Row, London’ is present at the central point of the interior of the crown.

S.277:4-2019 (Sword belt with Baldric)

Wide dark brown leather sword belt with shoulder strap (baldric). The belt is secured at the centre front waist with a wide brass buckle and metal hook. The baldric (shoulder strap) is attached to the top edge of the centre back waist with a semi-circular hoop and features a brass buckle, metal stud and narrows to a point at the bottom edge.

The belt is largely plain, but some decorative top stitching and a large brass hook are present at the proper right waist

S.277:5-2019 (Sword Hanger)

Dark brown leather triangular sword ‘hanger.’ The ‘hanger’ features a central ‘pouch’ with straps to secure it to the central sword belt at the proper left and proper right edge (each with a metal buckle), and further pierced leather straps behind these, at the same point. There is a semi-circular metal hoop at the centre back of the ‘hanger’ and a large metal hook/stud at the centre front.

S.277:6&7-2019 (Boots)

Pair of black leather calf length boots. The boots have a round toe and a stiff thick sole with a small heel.

They are plan and the line of the calf closely, rising up at a slight angle from the front edge, up to the centre back. A small panel of dark elastic has been set into the side seams (on both the exterior and interior side of the calf).

The boots are not lined, but there are faced with a wide band of dark green leather at the interior top edge.

Rectangular slots (shaped to accommodate spurs) have been set in to the centre back of each heel.

S.277:8&9-2019 (Spurs)

Pair of brass spurs, they are semi-circular and are shaped to follow the curve of the heel. They have a narrow metal prong at the centre of the interior edge and can be attached to the heel of the matching boots at this point. There is a further projecting length of metal at the centre back exterior. This extends into a circular point at the top with a slim decorative disc running through its centre.

S.277:10&11-2019 (Gloves)

Pair of dark tan soft leather gloves. Faced with suede and secured at each wrist with a single mother of pearl style brown button.

The gloves are largely plain, but three lines of decorative top stitching have been used to embellish the central top side of each glove.

Given by the Rix family

Vice Lord Lieutenant’s uniform worn by Brian Rix (1924-2016), ca.1987.

Brian Rix (full title: Baron Rix of Whitehall in the City of Westminster & Hornsea in Yorkshire) was born on 27 January 1924 in Cottingham, Yorkshire. He became a professional actor at the age of 18. He toured with Donald Wolfit and his Famous Company and The White Rose Players before his wartime service in the RAF and down the mines as a Bevin Boy. In 1947 he formed his own theatre company, and from 1950 he was actor-manager of the Whitehall and Garrick Theatres for thirty years. He acted in many productions for television and presented the first BBC series for people with learning disabilities Let's Go. He also produced and appeared in 12 film farces. Brian Rix married actress Elspet Gray in 1949, with whom he had four children. He wrote several volumes of autobiography and memoir.

Brian Rix became Secretary General of MENCAP in 1980. He later became Chairman of MENCAP in 1988 and then President in 1998, as well as being involved with several other groups for people with learning disabilities. In recognition for this he has received eight honorary degrees and five fellowships. He received the C.B.E., a knighthood and was made a life peer on 27th January 1992. He was an active member of the House of Lords regarding disabled people, and the Arts. He was Vice Lord Lieutenant of Greater London from 1988-1998.

The title Lord-Lieutenant is given to the British Monarch’s personal representatives in each of the United Kingdom’s ceremonial counties. The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London is Her Majesty’s representative in Greater London, including the 32 London boroughs. They have performed various tasks throughout history including raising local militia units and numerous ceremonial duties. The uniform worn for this role is based on the dress uniform of an Army officer.

S.277:1 to 11-2019