Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- undated [1850-1900] (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Note
From Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive:
WORKWEAR SMOCK
Maker unknown
1850–70
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the English smock was primarily associated with male workers in a variety of rural occupations. It is one of the few garments that was originally intended for men but is now almost exclusively worn by women. The smock’s worn and stained condition, weight of fabric, style of smocking and utilitarian embroidery indicate that it was worn for manual labour. These features also suggest that it may have been bought ready-made. It can be worn either way around as it is cut symmetrically from rectangular pieces, with square gussets under the arm and large flapped pockets that are positioned each side at hip level. The smocking stitches across the chest, back and cuffs are entirely hand-stitched and control the fabric volume.
Linen, Cotton
Archive no. 2021.7.2