Cape thumbnail 1
Cape thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Cape

c.1915 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This navy blue woollen cloak has a bright yellow checked lining which is revealed at the neck, cuffs and underside of the long tabs which fasten round the back of the garment. Cloaks with contrasting linings such as this were highly fashionable between 1915 and 1920. The cloak was made by court dressmakers and milliners Russell & Allen of Bond Street, London. It belonged to Miss Heather Firbank (1888-1954) and is one of well over 100 items of clothing acquired by the museum from her wardrobe. The collection dates from around 1905-mid 1920s and features many of the top London fashion houses of the time.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Double-faced wool, lined
Brief description
Cape. Black, double-faced blanket wool with black and yellow lining, Russell & Allen, London, c.1915
Physical description
Cloak made of double-faced blanket wool. With sleeve openings in black wool lined with yellow wool. Black reversing to large-scale yellow and black windowpane checks. Wide turn-down collar and cuffs shows the lining. Front facings extended into long woollen tabs which a cross over in front and fasten with two covered buttons and one large buttonhole around the waist underneath. Hook and eye at the neck and wide cross bands to fasten at the back waist with a button. Two small patch pockets at the hips. Label at the back of the neck.
Marks and inscriptions
'Russell & Allen / LONDON' (On label at the back of the neck)
Summary
This navy blue woollen cloak has a bright yellow checked lining which is revealed at the neck, cuffs and underside of the long tabs which fasten round the back of the garment. Cloaks with contrasting linings such as this were highly fashionable between 1915 and 1920. The cloak was made by court dressmakers and milliners Russell & Allen of Bond Street, London. It belonged to Miss Heather Firbank (1888-1954) and is one of well over 100 items of clothing acquired by the museum from her wardrobe. The collection dates from around 1905-mid 1920s and features many of the top London fashion houses of the time.
Collection
Accession number
T.16-1960

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Record createdMay 2, 2008
Record URL
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