Identity area
Reference code
2022.10
Title
J. Wippell & Co Ltd Hooded Surplice
Date(s)
- undated [1920-1960] (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
1
Context area
Name of creator
(1902-)
Administrative history
J. Wippell & Co. Ltd was registered in 1902 but the company traces its beginnings to a 1789 building at 219 High Street, Exeter. Joseph Wippell established a grocery business in Exeter in 1802 and in 1834 his son, Joseph Wippell Junior, took over the established woollen drapers William Arden and its premises at 219 High Street. During the 1800s the company expanded into supplying the Church of England as church furnishers and clergy outfitters. Their first London shop was opened in 1897 and they opened premises in Manchester in 1918. From the 1950s they also began making university robes.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Hooded surplice or tunic made from white cotton. Garment is ankle length with wide, three quarter length sleeves with large hems. Pulling on over the head, the surplice has a deep v neck that fastens with a single, fabric covered button on a banded collar. Gathering detail runs under the collar seam and along the shoulder seams, both front and back. Attached to the collar is a pointed hood that drapes down the back of the garment. At either side of the waist there are welted vents which enable access to pockets in garments worn underneath the surplice.
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
Label: J Wippell & Co Ltd / Exeter, London & Manchester / No [Blank] / Made in England
Label stitched on the inside of the collar at the front reads 'Sample'
Materials: Cotton
Measurements: 26 Inches [Chest], 45 Inches [Back]
Details: Hood, pocket vents
Physical Condition: Small rust marks and holes, some of which have been mended. The length of both the sleeves and the hem have been altered more than once, leading the cotton to wear in places.
Label stitched on the inside of the collar at the front reads 'Sample'
Materials: Cotton
Measurements: 26 Inches [Chest], 45 Inches [Back]
Details: Hood, pocket vents
Physical Condition: Small rust marks and holes, some of which have been mended. The length of both the sleeves and the hem have been altered more than once, leading the cotton to wear in places.
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
A surplice is a loose, white, outer, ecclesiastical vestment. It can also be known as an alb and the hood is known as a cowl.
Note
Both the size and the fact that the hem and the sleeves have been altered multiple times indicate that this garment belonged to a child or younger teenager. Garments like this one would be worn by a child fulfilling the role of alter server in a church.