Carriage cloth, probably made for the Cavendish family, Dukes of Devonshire
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Carriage cloth, probably made for the Cavendish family, Dukes of Devonshire
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: British
- Medium: Wool, appliqued silk, metal thread
- Dimensions: Overall: 63 x 55 1/2 in. (160 x 141 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
- Credit Line: Gift of Bill Blass Collection, 1984
- Object Number: 1984.460
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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