Accession Number

2016.014.001.003

Alternate Name

Suit, child's

Description

Mint green velvet child's vest. Silver-coloured metal buttons down the front. Crochet lace at collar. Has been re-lined, possibly to resize.

Narrative

This suit was made by Samuel Brothers of London in about 1874 and worn by the donor’s grandfather, John William Bryden (1869-1954). Various repairs have been undertaken over many years, including partial re-lining, the replacement of lace on vest’s collar, and possibly the replacement of lace on the cuffs of the jacket. Typically, Victorian boys' suits (such as this one) were modified over time for younger generations to use when serving as page boys at weddings. Accordingly, this suit was possibly worn by one, two, or all three of John William Bryden's sons. 

History of Use

The donor inherited this suit from her father,  and was told by her grandmother (Mrs. John William Bryden), that it had been worn by grandfather Bryden when he was a boy. John William Bryden was the first-born grandson of Robert & Joan Dunsmuir.

Date

circa 1874

Material

Fabric, silk, velvet; Metal

Technique

Sewn

Country of Origin

United Kingdom