Jacket

This silver embroidered cape or jacket is associated with Queen Victoria (1819-1901), or from another member of the royal family during her reign. As it probably dates to the 1860s or later, Victoria would not have worn it, as she dressed only in mourning clothes of black and white, from the death of Prince Albert (1819-1861) until the end of her life.

Instead, it may have been kept as an interesting example of fine embroidery. The silver embroidery is enhanced by the pink watered silk, which created a shimmering, glittering effect.

It is speculated that the embroidered fabric may be from the Eastern Mediterranean and associated with the visit to that region of Edward VII (1841-1910) and Queen Alexandra (1844-1925) in 1868-69, when Prince and Princess of Wales.