"Costume, Short Black Velvet Beaded Cape"
Date
c. 1880
Technique
Hand made
Dimensions
Length: 0.47cm
Caption
This embellished velvet cape may have been worn by a lady in mourning. Mourning etiquette was complicated in Victorian times. In the second period of mourning, after 12 months and a day, black clothes could feature jet and silk trimmings.
The cape has a satin ribbon ruffle at the neck. You can see that the velvet is worn at the opening, suggesting a large brooch was worn here to conceal the fastening.
Credit
Kindly donated by Mrs Brien
Object number
FCM_1995_057