Trousers
1845-1853 (made)
Not currently on display at the V&A
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place Of Origin |
When trousers became fashionable in the first decade of the 19th century, they retained wide fall-front closure commonly used in the late 18th century. This began to narrow in the 1820s, and by the 1830s a fly-front closure, as seen in this example, became the most usual form. Buttons on the waistband allow the attachment of braces. Linen and cotton in pale colours were a popular choice for summer wear. These trousers are reputed to have been worn by William Pierson Johnes, a linen merchant of New York City.
object details
| Categories | |
| Object Type | |
| Materials and Techniques | Linen twill, hand-sewn, brass |
| Brief Description | Pair of men's linen twill trousers, United States, 1845-1853 |
| Physical Description | Pair of men's white linen twill trousers. Full length and fairly narrow, tapering slightly and then flaring to fit over the foot. There is a concealed fly front. The waist band is narrow and shaped with four brace buttons and there is a buckle stay at the centre back to adjust the fit. On the right-hand side inside the waist band is a pocket for a watch, and written inside in ink with 'W. P. Johnes'. The buttons and two pronged buckles are of brass. |
| Marks and Inscriptions | 'W. P. Johnes' (Written in ink inside the watch pocket) |
| Credit line | Given by Captain Raymond Johnes |
| Summary | When trousers became fashionable in the first decade of the 19th century, they retained wide fall-front closure commonly used in the late 18th century. This began to narrow in the 1820s, and by the 1830s a fly-front closure, as seen in this example, became the most usual form. Buttons on the waistband allow the attachment of braces. Linen and cotton in pale colours were a popular choice for summer wear. These trousers are reputed to have been worn by William Pierson Johnes, a linen merchant of New York City. |
| Collection | |
| Accession Number | T.177-1965 |
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| record created | March 1, 2003 |
| Record URL |