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Ossie Clark's work is commonly associated with the romantic chiffon dresses and Celia Birtwell prints seen throughout this display. However, Clark was also an expert cutter. He executed an accomplished range of superbly fitted classical coats, suits and jackets in wool, Harris tweed, suede and crêpe. The cut and construction of these clothes demonstrate Clark's extraordinary precision and his understanding of how textiles behave on a three-dimensional form.
In 1970 the French manufacturer Mendes invited Ossie Clark to design a collection for distribution in France.
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Coat 1972Clark produced this design for the French manufacturer Mendes. Intricate seaming and a precise row of buttons emphasise the restraint of the deceptively simple wool coat. Wool |
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Coat 1972An elaborate fan of pleating graces the back of the coat. The fine material and workmanship are hallmarks of the best of Ossie Clark's designs. Wool |
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Jacket 1969Intricate pin-tucking enlivens the surface of this suede jacket. Its linear design is reminiscent of the diagonal patterning seen in men's doublets of the 1590s. The jacket shows Clark's skilled use of animal skins. Lent by Celia Birtwell |
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Sketch 1969Sketch for a suede jacket similar to that above. Sketch reproduced with kind permission of Celia Birtwell |
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Sketch 1971Sketch of two models posing in fitted jackets and frilly skirts. Sketch reproduced with kind permission of Celia Birtwell |