Boy's robe of bronze-coloured silk made in France in about 1750

Boy's robe of unlined bronze-coloured silk, the fabric woven in a self-coloured vertical pattern of zig-zag stems bearing leaves and flowers. The garment has a V-shaped neck front which is rounded at the back, close-fitting wrist-length sleeves, and wide flaring skirts. A broad full-length robing of self fabric runs from neck to hem at each side of the front, and gives the impression of an over-garment. The robe, which opens the length of the front, originally fastened down the chest with five buttons and stitched buttonholes.

Given by Miss M. Dawson

Given by Miss Marion Dawson (RF 20/ 8658). Part of a group of adult's and children's costumes (Circ.781-1920 and T 356 to 367-1920) from the collection of her late sister Miss Kathleen Dawson.

This boy's robe dates from a era when young boys in Europe wore garments with skirts, a custom with unclear origins, but which most likely had to do with making it easier for them to urinate. The style was common until about 1920. A boy usually received his first breeches or trousers between four and seven years of age, sometimes in a special ceremony held by the family.

T.362-1920