Carriage cloth, probably made for the Cavendish family, Dukes of Devonshire

British

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 513

Signature Conveyance

Historically called a Box Cloth or Hammer Cloth, this would have been draped over and around the driver’s seat of a horse-drawn carriage. Splendid statement of prestige- a contemporary urged them to be “as handsome as you please”- it is adorned with silvered metal lace, its boldly legible C monogram honoring the family conveyed within. Open to the elements, the woolen fabric was doubly advantageous supporting a rich, red dye and providing a warm covering for the coachman; it was likely protected by an oil cloth in bad weather.

Carriage cloth, probably made for the Cavendish family, Dukes of Devonshire, Wool, appliqued silk, metal thread, British

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Carriage cloth, probably made for the Cavendish family, Dukes of Devonshire, Wool, appliqued silk, metal thread, British
Carriage cloth, probably made for the Cavendish family, Dukes of Devonshire, Wool, appliqued silk, metal thread, British
Carriage cloth, probably made for the Cavendish family, Dukes of Devonshire, Wool, appliqued silk, metal thread, British

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