Walking Costume
c.1909 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This stylish summer costume was designed by London couturier Reville & Rossiter. It was worn by London socialite Heather Firbank (1888-1954). She was daughter of the affluent Member of Parliament Sir Thomas Firbank. Her brother was the novelist Ronald Firbank. The V&A holds a large collection of clothes worn by Heather Firbank. The collection includes evening and daywear, as well as accessories, and has examples of many well-known London dress-makers including Lucile and Mascotte. Corresponding photographs, letters and account books are held in the Word and Image department. Firbank’s clothes have featured in multiple exhibitions and were the focus on the V&A’s 2015 publication, London Society Fashion 1905 - 1925: The Wardrobe of Heather Firbank.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Linen, plain weave |
| Brief description | Walking costume, white linen coat and skirt, worn by Heather Firbank, designed by Reville & Rossiter, London, c.1909 |
| Physical description | White linen summer costume comprised of 3/4 length coat and ankle-length skirt. The cuffs and collar of the coat are trimmed with a contrasting cream linen in a tigher weave. Large buttons, also cream, are used on the skirt and coat to provide some decoration. The ensemble is unlined. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Lilla Pennant from the estate of Johanna Firbank |
| Object history | From the wardrobe of Heather Firbank. A receipt in the V&A Archive of Art and Design (AAD/2014/1/1/1/39) records that Heather purchased a 'white linen coat skirt' from Reville & Rossiter on 15th July 1909 for £6 and 6 shillings. It is possible this is the same ensemble, it also gives us a sense of the cost of the object. |
| Association | |
| Summary | This stylish summer costume was designed by London couturier Reville & Rossiter. It was worn by London socialite Heather Firbank (1888-1954). She was daughter of the affluent Member of Parliament Sir Thomas Firbank. Her brother was the novelist Ronald Firbank. The V&A holds a large collection of clothes worn by Heather Firbank. The collection includes evening and daywear, as well as accessories, and has examples of many well-known London dress-makers including Lucile and Mascotte. Corresponding photographs, letters and account books are held in the Word and Image department. Firbank’s clothes have featured in multiple exhibitions and were the focus on the V&A’s 2015 publication, London Society Fashion 1905 - 1925: The Wardrobe of Heather Firbank. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.1:1, 2-2018 |
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| Record created | April 12, 2017 |
| Record URL |
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