The Eglinton Tournament
Lord Eglinton dressed as the Lord of the Tournament, oil painting on wood by Edward Henry Corbould, Britain, about 1840, Museum no. P.5-1981
Wool waistcoat made from cloth sold to commemorate the Eglinton Tournament, Britain, about 1839. T.129-1969
By the 1830s, tales of romance and chivalry inspired an interest in the costume and events of the Middle Ages.
This painting shows Archibald William Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton and Winton, dressed in gold armour at the tournament which he hosted in 1839. At the famous Eglinton Tournament, held at Eglinton Castle, Ayreshire, Scotland, the Earl and his guests dressed themselves in medieval-style costumes and took part in processions and competitions.
The tournament was open to the public and attracted tens of thousands of spectators. Participants had spent the previous year in training, both in private and in public, building up huge public interest in the event. A variety of commemorative souvenirs was produced, such as jugs or textiles.
You can learn more about the Tournament in the audio below.
Stoneware jug commemorating the Eglinton Tournament, by Ridgway Son and Co., Hanley, Staffordshire, England, 1840. Museum no. CIRC.493-1963
Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950
From 19 May 2012 the V&A celebrates the opening of the newly renovated Fashion Galleries with an exhibition of beautiful ballgowns, red carpet evening dresses and catwalk showstoppers.
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