Clothes for Work

Smocks or smock-frocks were the traditional garb of country labourers and agricultural workers in the eighteenth century, dating back to much earlier times, and remaining popular in some areas well into the nineteenth century. Smocks became associated with a nostalgic and rural way of life, illustrated by painters and depicted by novelists to symbolise rustic innocence. Largely because of this, many museum costume collections contain examples, and the Gallery of Costume has about twenty, all dating from the period 1850 to 1900.

Working smocks like these were traditionally made in two styles: the "open" or coat form like this one with a full-length centre-front opening; and the "closed" or "round smock" which pulled on over the head like a jumper. This one is made of unbleached cotton drill which is now a mid brown colour, and it has been embroidered and smocked in white silk. Family tradition related that it was made by an old women in Shropshire, aged 80. It is difficult to know whether this example was intended for proper rural wear, or as an example of traditional skilled needlework.

Full item descriptions:

"smock" [1922.1789]

Related Themes:

Smocks
Men's Working Jackets