Historical information

Western fashion in the 1890s saw women's capes become an item of fashionable choice as they fell gracefully over an expansive sleeve. Capes often had a high neck, and were frequently trimmed with jet passementerie and fur. This capelet has a fashionable dog-collar neckline which became fashionable from c.1895, lasting as a style to c.1905. The capelet was probably part of a mourning ensemble.

Significance

The capelet originally belonged to Catherine Francis Ellen Gulliver (nee Wells) who was born in Ballarat in 1874. The item was passed by descent to her daughter Catherine Francis Helen Taylor (nee Gulliver) [born 1896], and then to her granddaughter, Doris Catherine Kriesfield (nee Taylor) [1922-2015].

Physical description

Victorian-era capelet, designed to cover the shoulders, and ornamented with shamrocks outlined in jet passementerie. The capelet has a dog-collar neck, that is lined with leather. The original lace, forms a wide border edging the satin. The front of the capelet has large hooks and eyes.