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"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