Baby robe, back, worn by George IV

This ivory-coloured silk baby robe was worn by the future George IV, when he was an infant. A note stitched inside the gown made of a visiting card suggests that it was worn by George IV for his christening, however this gown does not match contemporary descriptions of the occasion.

Too fine for everyday use, it was probably worn at a prestigious public event or an important family gathering. Portraits of the family of George III and Queen Charlotte show similar robes being worn. Like all clothes worn at court, a robe like this was a visual statement of the baby's importance and privileged position.

In style, this robe is like fashionable women's dresses of the period: the bodice is fitted and the wide skirt is split at the front and trimmed with curved trails of matching pleated silk. The arm pits are not stitched up, but are open to allow for some freedom of movement for the baby.