Raincoat made of rubberised silk, England, ca. 1920

Raincoat made of silver-grey rubberised silk. Double breasted and cut with a straight front and flared back. The shoulders are raglan and the sleeves are wide and flared. There are vertical slit pockets. Lined with ivory figured silk. Label stitched to the inside back of the neck. Small chain coat hook.

Given by Roland W. Owram

Given to the V&A in 1960 by Roland W. Owram. This raincoat had belonged to the donor's aunt, Amelia Owram, who had left it to him along with 'scores of beautiful Victorian dresses, cloaks, coats, skirts, some hats, fans, parasols, large boxes of swatches and Maltese lace, costume jewellery and dress trimmings, underware (sic) etc.' Many of these items were donated to the V&A (see Museum nos. T.152 to 173-1960) [RF 59/1739]. At its time of entry to the V&A's collections the Museum did not hold much rainwear, so this coat's importance was immediately recognised. It was suggested at the time of acquisition that the coat would 'look well in the 'special' selection at BGM (i.e. Bethnal Green Museum, now Museum of Childhood)'.

Maker may be H. Ketchy?

T.172-1960