Object number
83/20
Description
Smock made by depositor's cousin who lived in Berkshire in early 20th century. This is a reversible smock made from light brown linen and thread. It is hand sewn. There is smocking on the chest at front and back, and on the sleeves above the cuff. There is embroidery on the chest at front and back, and on the collar and yoke. The top of the sleeve is plain, without gathers, smocking or embroidery. The smock is 91cm in length.
Physical description
1 smock: dark linen; good condition
Archival history
Citation in publication [Oliver, Tina, 'Smocks: A Guide to the Collections' (Reading: The University of Reading, 2000)] - ‘This addition to the collection originated from Berkshire, the donor suggested that a cousin had made the linen smock in the early 20th century and there may have been a connection with the Women's Institute at the time. The garment is well constructed with a small front opening and in good condition, but was possibly never worn. The smocking forms bands of zigzag and diamonds and the embroidery on the smock includes heart and leaf shaped motifs on the panels with stars on the collar, and is considered to be a design specific to Berkshire. There are no pockets, the cuffs are wide and fasten with a single button and thread loop, and neckline opening fastens in the same manner.’ (p.28), MERL Accession Form- ‘Standard museum name: SMOCK // Accession number: 83/20 // Classification: PERSONAL, clothing, garment // Negative number: 60/14427, 60/14428 // Acquisition method: GIFT // Acquired from: Mr. R. G. Andrews, [...] Devon // Date: February 1983 // Store: Small object store // Conditon: Good // Recorder: J. M. Betts // Date: 31.3.83 // Description: This smock is made of dark linen. It has a collar and buttons at the neck and cuffs. It has a panel of smocking and embroidery at the back and the front as well as on the shoulders and at the cuffs. It is said to be a Berkshire pattern // Dimensions: Length approx 90cm // Associated information: This smock was made in the early 20th century by the donor’s cousin who lived in Berkshire [see letter from donor]’, Letter, Mr Andrews to Mr Brigden, 10th February 1983-‘Kingswood, Teignmouth, Devon. // Feb 10. 1983, // The Curator, The Museum of English Rural Life. // Dear Sir, In preparation for a prospective move we have turned out some family items we should have offered you before we left Reading in 1966. // One item is a smock made, we believe to the Berkshire pattern. // The other is a pair of curved scissors used by my Uncle when docking lambs tails! // Uncle was a farm bailiff all his life. Up to 1913 at Model Farm Shirburn then at Rush Court Wallingford, finally at Howberry Park Wallingford. // We believe my cousin made the smock in the early days of the Women’s Institute. Do such items interest you. A stamped addressed envelope is enclosed for your reply. Yours truly, R. G. Andrews.’
Production place
Berkshire
Production date
1900-01-01
Object name
Material
Technique
Dimensions
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_14427.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_14428.tif - High resolution image