Walking Costume thumbnail 1
Walking Costume thumbnail 2
Not on display

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.

  • Walking Costume
  • Summer Suit
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
  • Jacket length: 104cm
  • Skirt length: 102cm
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 createdApril 12, 2017
Record URL
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