Woman's jacket of linen, 1780s, French; block-printed in small floral sprigs, quilted

Woman’s jacket of bleached linen block-printed in dark purple with repeating pattern of small sprigs of lilac, fruits and berries. It is backed with plain linen and quilted in running stitch with linen thread in a diamond pattern around each motif. The jacket has a low V-neck and long 2-piece sleeves to the wrist. It is fitted to the waist, with shaped skirts below. There is a 3⅜-inch (8.5 cm) wide pleated edging of the printed linen around the neck. A linen-covered button and button hole fasten at each wrist. The jacket opens at centre-front; the hooks and eyes are later replacements

In the 1780s jackets worn with petticoats became a popular garment for informal wear by women. This example shows the long sleeves and close-fitting style characteristic of the decade. It is made of linen printed in a repeating pattern of floral sprigs. The fabric has been quilted so that each printed motif is framed in a diamond shape by quilting stitches. A decorative cotton muslin apron completes the ensemble.

T.219-1966