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 popularity of fashionable, and expensive, Kashmir-made shawls. Norfolk's strong history of textile production and international trade made Norwich the perfect place to imitate, adapt and develop 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 enduring appeal of these beautiful textiles. It was owned by Abigail Jeary of Norwich, whose husband, Robert, was a stationer and bookseller on Exchange Street, as well as warden of St. Peter Mancroft Church.