Lappet
ca. 1700 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This lappet formed part of a headdress, known as a ‘lace head’ in the 18th century. It was composed of a curved panel, the cap back, to which two long streamers were attached, called lappets. The whole ensemble was finished with a lace frill. The lappets might be pinned up on top of the head in pleats, but more usually were left to hang loose, fluttering with the slightest movement.
Among the various items of Englishwomen’s fashionable dress for which lace was used in the 18th century, the lace head was a particular focus for the display of wealth and taste. The quality of the lace, the excellence of its design and fine workmanship, and thus its likely expense, would be immediately apparent to observers. The design of this example includes elements of Chinoiserie.
Among the various items of Englishwomen’s fashionable dress for which lace was used in the 18th century, the lace head was a particular focus for the display of wealth and taste. The quality of the lace, the excellence of its design and fine workmanship, and thus its likely expense, would be immediately apparent to observers. The design of this example includes elements of Chinoiserie.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Bobbin lace worked in linen thread |
Brief description | Bobbin lace lappet, Brussels, ca. 1700. |
Physical description | Square-ended lappet delicately patterned with tiny motifs arranged symmetrically on a vertical axis with Berainesque canopies and draperies. Among the tiny scrolling leafy stems from which most of the pattern is composed, are chinoiserie and western motifs, including three barrels with wine (?) pouring from the ends, trophies of war beneath a canopy, a rider on a camel, a turbanned bust, and chinoiserie figures sitting drinking at a table beneath a canopy. Technique : Vrai droschel ground, partly applied and partly inset motifs of minute overlapped clothwork tapes, in places expanded into larger cloth-work areas, some half-stitch on the larger motifs, and some use of decorative fillings. A piece of matching lace (8.5 cm long) has been joined to the upper end. |
Dimensions |
|
Credit line | Given by Mrs A M Wedgwood in memory of Mrs A A Gordon Clark |
Object history | From the colelction of Iris, Lady Lawrence, in which it was numbered 40. |
Summary | This lappet formed part of a headdress, known as a ‘lace head’ in the 18th century. It was composed of a curved panel, the cap back, to which two long streamers were attached, called lappets. The whole ensemble was finished with a lace frill. The lappets might be pinned up on top of the head in pleats, but more usually were left to hang loose, fluttering with the slightest movement. Among the various items of Englishwomen’s fashionable dress for which lace was used in the 18th century, the lace head was a particular focus for the display of wealth and taste. The quality of the lace, the excellence of its design and fine workmanship, and thus its likely expense, would be immediately apparent to observers. The design of this example includes elements of Chinoiserie. |
Collection | |
Accession number | T.323-1975 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | October 1, 2008 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest