91/2

This is a natural coloured linen smock, with collar and cuffs. It buttons at the back and the front of the neck. There are two small pieces of smocking at the back and front of the neck, as well as on the shoulders and the cuffs. It also has side gussets, one patch pocket at the front, and pearl buttons. The smock was given to the donor by a lady, Mrs Everden, who lived in Sussex.

1 smock: linen (natural coloured); good condition- some discolouration

Citation in publication [Oliver, Tina, 'Smocks: A Guide to the Collections' (Reading: The University of Reading, 2000)] - 'A reversible smock considered to be an ‘Essex’ smock. Unfortunately nothing further is known of its origins. The linen smock has two unusual features - small, extended gussets set into the sleeve openings at the wrist edges and a rectangular patch type pocket set at a slight angle onto the left hand side of the body at chest level. This pocket is in addition to lower side inset pockets. The smocking is simple and minimal, with rows of topstitching on the collar and shoulder band, the garment is well constructed, and in good condition.’ (p.30), Letter, Jill Betts to Mrs R.N. Crooks, 28 August 1991 - 'Dear Mrs Crooks, On behalf of the Museum I would like to thank you for sending the sussex smock to us via your sister Miss Vines. We are very pleased to have it and it will make a valuable addition to our collections. // If you should have any further information about the smock - who made it - who wore it - where abouts in Sussex it was used and the date it was used? - we would be very interested to hear from you. // Thank you again. // Yours sincerely, // Mrs J Betts // Museum Assistant', MERL Handwritten Accession Form-‘Standard museum name: SMOCK // Accession number: 91/2 // Classification: PERSONAL, clothing, garment // Negative number: 60/16149, 60/16150, 60/16553 // Acquisition method: gift //Acquired from: Mrs R. N. Crooks [...] Australia, via Miss C. M. Vines // Date: February 1991 // Store: Small object // Condition: Good – some discolouration // Recorder: JMB // Date: 28.8.91// Description: Natural coloured linen smock with collar and cuffs. Buttons at back and front of neck. 2 small pieces of smocking at back and front neck, smocking on shoulders and at cuffs. Side gussets, one patch pocket at front, pearl buttons // Dimensions: Length – 95.0cm_ Width – 90.0cm // Associated information: This smock was given to Mrs Crooks by an old lady – Miss Everden – who lived in Sussex. Mrs Crooks who is now in Australia asked her sister Miss C. M. Vines to bring the smock to the Museum.’, MERL Postal Deposit Form – ‘University of Reading // 91/2 // Institute of Agricultural History and Museum of English Rural Life // Whiteknights Reading RG6 2AG // Telephone 0734 85123 Ext. 475 // The following is acknowledged with thanks // SUSSEX SMOCK // Given to Mrs Crooke by an old lady in sussex. // Mrs Everden // Send letter // As a gift // ['On loan (state time limit)' scored through] // ['For identification, to be returned or collected on:' scored through] // Donor’s name: MISS C. M. VINES // Address: [...] // Delivered by (if different from above) // Name // Address // For the Museum of English Rural Life // Signature: Jill M. Betts // Date: 18 . 2 . 91’

Sussex

Fibre, flax, Fibre, Pearl

Smocked, Stitched, Embroidered