Dalmatic and stole

The dalmatic and stole are part of a set of vestments worn by priests and deacons. Judging by the richness and quality of the dalmatic and stole, they must have been worn for major Church celebrations. They were made from expensive European white silk, with a rich 18th century pattern of coloured silk and gold embroidery, and are further trimmed in yellow silk, which defines their overall shape. It is assumed that they came into the Church’s possession either by purchase or as a gift to mark a special celebration in the liturgical calendar. These vestments, often gleaming with gold, were made with precious materials in order to glorify church services.