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Suit

Suit

Suit

Silk Second Quarter 18th Century

Silk embroidered with chenille thread

This man’s suit, comprising a coat, waistcoat and breeches, was acquired in Paris. It appears to have been made from an embroidered furnishing fabric, possibly a bed hanging, dating to the second quarter of the 18th Century, that has been turned into a theatrical or fancy dress outfit approximating the mid 18th Century in style. The bright yellow satin has been intricately pieced together, particularly on the waistcoat that, of the three garments, is the least authentic in cut. The sprays of large flowers tied together with ribbon bows, embroidered in couched chenille thread, have either been cut from the original fabric and stitched down or left in situ on the satin. A scattering of metal spangles is most dense on the front of the waistcoat, and the 18th Century metallic lace borders incorporate both very narrow strips of silver thread and metal thread wrapped around a silk core.