Woman's wool riding jacket, by unknown maker, 1750s

Women’s riding habits of the 18th century adapted elements of men’s dress. This hand-sewn brown wool jacket of the 1750s is styled after a man’s coat, although it has been modified with a waist seam to fit over stays and a wide petticoat. Careful mitring and gathering of the heavy metal braid allows its arrangement around the pockets and into rococo curves down the jacket front. The trim consists of three parts: a wide ribbon of silver thread woven in a geometrical pattern, with a narrow gimp of silver on either side.

Museum no. T.554-1993