Waistcoat
The original design of this waistcoat, in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, was acquired by that institution along with several volumes of Garthwaite's designs, and was published in articles by Peter Thornton and Natalie Rothstein on the Huguenot silk-weaving industry in London. The marvel of this original design is that it identifies not only the artist but also the weaver, Peter Lekeux, and gives the date of sale -- October 23, 1747 -- as well. In addition, the metal threads to be used in the weaving are described: "dark yellow plate" (a plain, metal strip); "light yellow plain" (a metal strip wound around a silk or linen core); and "grey frosted" (a textured thread that sparkles). Both Garthwaite and Peter Lekeux were important contributors to the English silk industry in the Spitalfields area of London.
Artwork Details
- Title: Waistcoat
- Designer: Textile by Anna Maria Garthwaite (British, 1690–1763)
- Manufacturer: Textile by Peter Lekeux (British, 1716–1768)
- Date: 1747
- Culture: British
- Medium: silk, wool, linen, metal
- Credit Line: Purchase, Irene Lewisohn Bequest, 1966
- Object Number: C.I.66.14.2
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.