Cloak

Blue silk satin short semi-circular cloak with a narrow collar; made of 16th century material with signs of renovation, alteration and deterioration; the lining is not contemporary to the main fabric and is believed to be 19th century with the overall construction, the neck and collar suggest they have been altered at a later date; much of the 16th century embroidery thread is now missing.

The deep blue material is embroidered with a scroll pattern of silver and silver-gilt thread and cord; singly or three strands twisted together. The scroll design contains upright floral sprigs incorporating the fleurs-de-lys motif. The front edges of the cape are embroidered with a wide boarder consisting of two bands of a floral and curved leaf design; a separately worked but matching border of one band has been attached to the lower part of the hem. A single-band border presumably cut down, trims the collar, the base of which is made from fragments of embroidered fabric, trimmed with poor quality metal bobbin lace.

This cape was acquired from John George Joicey (1863-1919), a collector of antiques who spend much of his time abroad in Italy and France. When he died in 1919 Joicey split his collection between different organisation; whilst the V&A were bequeathed his fine collection of furniture, ceramic and porcelain, the Museum of London were fortunate to be given a large collection of 17th century costume which makes up some of the most valuable and interesting pieces in the collection to date.