Inez Clark (1873-1880) died at the age of six. Her parents commissioned a life-sized statue, which was completed a year later by a Sicilian sculptor, and placed over the grave. Later, a transparent plexiglass box was added to protect the likeness from the elements.
A group of ‘Pearlies’ from the 1900s. In the 19th century London was full of street traders known as costermongers or costers. In order to attract customers costers would decorate their clothes with mother of pearl buttons which were a common product manufactured in the East End of London. In the 1870s an orphaned road sweeper and rat catcher called Henry Croft took inspiration from this, covered a suit and top hat with pearl buttons and used the notoriety it gave him to raise money for charity.
His idea was quickly adopted by the working class coster families in London. Members of these families covered their suits, dresses, hats, shoes and accessories with pearl button patterns and became known as Pearly Kings, Queens and, in the case of younger family members, Princes and Princesses. Soon there was a Pearly ‘Royal Family’ for each London Borough, each collecting money to help disadvantaged members of their communities. This tradition carries on today with modern Pearlies continuing to raise money for London-based charitable causes.
Lord & Taylor jacket ca. 1883
From the Metropolitan Museum of Art
My god, look at that gorgeous FRINGE.
A 19th century gentleman’s top hat made of straw. At the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign men’s clothing was much more colourful than the sombre suits of the later 19th century. Bright blue coats, yellow trousers and vibrant embroidered waistcoats were a common sight and top hats could be grey, white or even made of straw in summer.
