Suit consisting of silk velvet coat and matching knee breeches. The fabric and cut of the ensemble suggest that it originally dates from the late eighteenth century, c.1790. It has since been modified for use as a stage costume, probably during the nineteenth century or early twentieth century when it was common practice to adapt historic garments for use on the stage. The suit was jointly donated to the museum by the menswear retailer, Moss Bros. and the theatrical costumiers C.W. May in 1982. It was originally part of a collection held by C.W. May (based at 9-11 Garrick Street), who were incorporated into the company Moss Bros. at this time. Unfortunately no details regarding the original wearer of the suit are known.