Archival history
Citation in publication [Oliver, Tina, 'Smocks: A Guide to the Collections' (Reading: The University of Reading, 2000)] – ‘The donor of this smock wrote in 1968 ‘I have a shepherd’s smock dating from my grandparents small farm on borders of Kent/ Sussex, around 1860. It is a work-a-day one, without extra lavish decoration, but complete…I know of no collection around Tunbridge Wells, or Groomsbridge, Kent which was the district it came from. I did wonder if the little barn behind Shakespeare’s Mothers cottage near Straford-on-Avon, which was a small agricultural museum is still open, and if they would care to have it.' (pp.24), MERL Recording form-‘Name of object: Farm worker’s Smock. Possibly shepherd’s. // Name and address of owner: Miss Bates, [...] Kent. // Date: December 4th 1968 // 1 Who used it: We imagine it was the shepherd // 2 When was it used: Daily while working, since shepherds had no full day off //3 How was it used: Worn as protective clothing, also the usual wear for country workers. // 4 Where was it used: We think it came from the small farm on Kent/Sussex border called “Alkesford” or earlier & I believe again now, “Alksford”. Locally pronounced almost “Oxford”. Once belonged to Thomas Patcham + left to my Grandfather Edward Bates, his nephew. Buried in Withyham Churchyard, Sussex with many Patchams, near the wall by the next meadow. As children we stayed with our Granny. My eldest brother from 1898, with the next two brothers, they paid annual visits when old enough. Us younger ones were only occasional visitors. The present owners - (cannot remember the name) are very interested in the history of the house. When I can visit there again I will try to find out more information about the farm workers. // 6 When this object was used do you know if it was common in many parts of the country or only in the place from which it came: Should think it was common – 1830s to 1900? // 9 Where was it made: Probably locally in village of Groombridge Kent, or Tunbridge Wells Kent. // 10 From what materials is the object made: Strong linen. // 11 Is it corroded or broken or damaged in any way: Patches on right sleeve 7” x 12”. Small piece in gusset of cuff. The whole back renewed, though old, with lighter weight linen than front, same piece as large patch. // 12 What are its approximate measurements: Round the neck 20”. Collar 7” deep. Weight 1 ¾ lbs. Across under the sleeves 30”. Across at hem 36”. Neck to top of sleeve 8 ½”. Sleeve 24”. Back of neck to bottom hem 40”. // 13 Have you a photograph of the object: Not at present, might be able to. // 14 Has it any unusual characteristics: Not that I know of. // 15 Additional information: Smocking on front 5 ½” down, 6” across, divided by opening at neck. Smocking on sleeves just below shoulder 2 ½” x 2”. Darning on inside of cuffs. Cuffs 3” wide. One button missing, on R. cuff. 1 Button both front & back of neck. // 16 Could you please make a rough sketch of the object: [pencil sketch]’, MERL Catalogue form (temporary) - 'Sheet 1 of [...] // Object name: Smock // Class.: PERSONAL, clothing, garment // system: M.E.R.L. // Description: Material(s): Natural linen, natural thread, pearl buttons // Condition: fabric stained and mended, worn. // Date: 3 Apr ‘73 // Completeness: button missing, cuff + front // Date: 3 Apr ‘73 // Dimensions: Total length; 94cm // Collar depth; 17cm // Cuffs depth; 7.5cm // Interest: Place made; Kent, possibly Groomsbridge or Tunbridge Wells [donor] // Place probably worn; Kent/Sussex border // Owner;– Alk(e)sford Farm; Edward Parcham // Source: Miss Bates [...] Kent // Method: gift // Date: Dec. 1968 // Notes: Description: handsewn; Style: round frock but tubing only on front, 1 button at neck back and front; 1 pearl, (1 missing), Collar: 2 straight pieces // Cuffs: Straight bands, turn back, additional triangular gusset, 1 button on each; P.T.O [page break] // tubing: outline and cable with ‘honeycomb’ effect, // front – 28 rows, // sleeves, top – 14 rows, above cuffs – 14 rows. // embroidery: collar - 3 rows top stitching on outer edge // shoulders - 7 rows top stitching. // Cataloguing: Cataloguer – LCB // Of – MERL // Date – 3 Apr ‘73 // Store – Clothes cupboard // Typed date – JR 1973 // Sheet 2 of // Dimensions: Tubing, front ht x w; 13 x 11cm // Tubing, sleeves, top, ht x w; 7 x 6cm // Tubing, sleeves, above cuff, ht x w; 7 x 9cm // Hem at circumference; 182cm // Interest: Subsequent owner; Edward Bates (grandfather of donor)// Date probably worn; 1880-1900’, MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – ‘SMOCK // PERSONAL clothing garments // 68/594 // neg. 60/10791 // Miss [...] Bates [...] Kent // [pencil sketch]', Letter, MERL to V. Bates, 25 November 1968 – ‘Dear Miss Bates, // It was thoughtful of you to write about your shepherd’s smock. We have a fairly extensive collection of smocks here and it is a place to which people come who wish to study the different patterns and styles of smocks, so that it would be a very appropriate thing to deposit your smock at this Museum if you would wish. I would certainly be very pleased to have it for our collection. If, at any time, there appears to be a more appropriate museum to which it might eventually go then it is always possible for us to transfer it. // It would be most helpful if I could have as much information about the smock as you know. What we really want is as much detail about the people who were associated with the garment as possible. The enclosed Recording Form might be of some help to you. // Yours sincerely, Keeper.’, Letter, V. Bates to MERL, 20 November 1968 – ‘Dear Sir, // I have a shepherd’s smock dating, from my grandparents’ small farm on the borders of Kent/Sussex, around 1860. It is a workers day one, without extra lavish decoration, but complete. Would it be of any interest to any Rural museum or collections that you know of? Your address was given to me by the appropriate department in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. [page break] // I have visited the Wye College museum at Brook near Wye, but the curator is away for a year + they have a ‘Sunday Smock’ on show there in a case already. // I know of no collection around Tumbridge Wells or Groomsbridge, Kent which was the district it came from. I did wonder whether the little barn behind Shakespeare’s mother’s cottage, near Stratford-on-Avon, which was a small agricultural museum is still open, + if they would care to have it. It just seems a pity to keep it wrapped up + hidden from view, + I dare not wash it without expert advice. Your help + knowledge would be appreciated. // Yours truly // (Miss) V. Bates’