British Galleries:
These dolls were probably made for the amusement of adults at home, as were dolls' houses at this time. They were named 'Lord and Lady' of the family home in Clapham, London by their owners, the Cockerell family. The outfits of the dolls are perfect miniatures of London fashions of 1690 and 1700. She wears a mantua (gown) of Chinese silk over stays (a stiff corset), with an under-wired cap and high-heeled shoes. [27/03/2003]Pair of doll's gloves of white kid leather with a gauntlet cuff, and seamed in brown silk thread.Dolls were widely produced in the 17th century, although very few survive. It is most unlikely that these particular examples were the playthings of children. Their production is of a high quality; almost all the accessories survive and there is little wear and tear on the dolls and their garments. The dolls were most probably purchased for the amusement of adults, and as a decorative accessory to a home.Pair of doll's kid leather gloves, London, 1690-1700<b>Object Type</b><br>These gloves were made for a doll, known as Lord Clapham, that is thought to have belonged to the Cockerell family, descendants of the diarist Samuel Pepys (1633-1703). Gloves remained an essential part of a gentleman's wardrobe until after the Second World War. They were not only necessary for the protection of the hands. They were also required by etiquette for the completion of an ensemble. As with appearing hatless, to be seen without gloves was considered a sign of illness or distress.<br><br><b>Designs & Designing</b><br>Lord Clapham offers a fine example of both formal and informal dress for a gentleman in the 1690s. His formal outfit includes a coat, waistcoat and breeches, while his informal dress is represented by the nightgown. Accessories such as the stockings, stock (a form of stiff, close-fitting neckcloth) and gloves are very valuable since very few items from this early period survive in museum collections. Equally important is the demonstration of how these clothes were worn together.<br><br><b>Materials & Making</b><br>
The gloves are made of white kid leather and hand-stitched with brown silk thread. Unlike gloves of the early 17th century, these are not decorated in any way. Neither is there any exaggeration of the proportions of the hand.<br><br><b>Ownership & Use</b><br>Dolls were widely produced in the 17th century, although very few survive, due to the wear and tear they usually undergo. The high quality of Lord Clapham and his clothes indicates that he would have been expensive. There is little evidence of use, which suggests that he was admired by adults rather than played with by children.