Grey woollen cloth embroidered with metal threads and blue beads. Cutwork decoration over pale blue silk satin ground. Lined with pale blue silk satin. Fastened with toggles covered in metal braid. Turkish for the European market? c.1910. Worn by Lady Ida Dashwood.

Evening coat of grey wool embroidered with Turkish/Islamic style designs in metal threads and blue beads. The borders are trimmed with metal braid. The coat is made up of three panels and the sleeves are cut from two pieces of fabric. The panels on either side of the front opening are decorated with a floral motif trimmed with tassles of metal threads embellished with blue beads. Toggles covered in braid and braid loops fasten the coat down the front. Cutwork decoration reveals pale blue silk satin lining. There is an inside pocket on the left hand side made of the same fabric as the lining and trimmed with ruching and ribbon decoration.

Given by Lady Aberdare

Given byThe Lady Sarah Aberdare.

This evening coat is a good example of fashionable European clothing styles showing Eastern and Islamic influences. It is in good condition and will add significantly to our collection of early 20th century dress. The coat or fabric was probably made in Turkey for the European market. The loose cut of the coat would have complemented the flowing lines of the evening dresses of the period. Evening wear was flamboyant and provocative. The simple cut of the clothes permitted an extravagant display of fine fabrics and jewellery. Glossy satins and shiny metals which would catch and reflect the light were popular. Dress fabrics also tended to be fine and delicate so lavish coats and capes would also help protect the wearer from the cool evening air. The coat was worn by the donor's grandmother, Lady Ida Dashwood.

T.405-2001