dressing gown

This dressing gown is cut from a Norwich shawl and lined with old gold sateen. Norwich shawls were in high demand in the 18th and 19th centuries due to the elite's love of Kashmir-made shawls. Norfolk's strong history of international trade made Norwich the perfect place to imitate these designs for a wider market. This gown provides a fantastic example of both the beauty and desirablity of Norwich shawls. The fact that it has been repurposed here demonstrates the creativity of the lower classes. It was owned by Mrs Robert Jeary of Norwich, whose husband was a stationer and bookseller on Exchange Street, as well as warden of St. Peter Mancroft Church.