Crape Collection

Crape myrtle, Lagerstromia indica. Handcoloured lithograph by D. Blair after an illustration by Lena Lowis from her Familiar Indian Flowers with Coloured Plates, L. Reeve, London, 1878

Two British officers of the Scots Guards bearing the Colour at the changing of the guard at Buckingham palace. The two soldiers are seen in black crepe armbands, as ordered by the King

Un Voyage En Bateau A Travers L Atlantique (engraving)
2783234 Un Voyage En Bateau A Travers L Atlantique (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Un Voyage En Bateau A Travers L Atlantique)

Women at Theatre 1814
Crape gown, demi-train, shawl of cashmire, amber jewellery; hair a la Grecque with gold comb. Round dress, long lace sleeves, gold jewellery, black lace shawl; hair: Romano-Greek. Date: 1814

An Original Boudoir Pyjama
Advertisement for a womens three-piece cr갥 -de-Chine pyjama suit by Marshall and Snelgrove of Verre Street and Oxford Street, London. 1928

Milwata race-coat of proofed cr갥 de chine trimmed with calf-skin patterned velvet. 1927

Lagerstroemia indica, Crape myrtle - By Franz Bauer, undated. Paper, pencil, colour pencil, watercolour. Unfinished Drawings of Plants, vol. 1, no. 125

Costume / June 1814
Evening dress: blue sarsnet with crape draperies, short full sleeves. Morning dress: of muslin trimmed with lace, coloured petticoat with fringing & an oldenberg bonnet. Date: 1814

Courtaulds waterproof crape for mourning, 1915
Advertisement for Courtaulds Waterproof crape, available in the usual firm finish, or in a soft finish. Ideal for fashionable mourning and obtained from the leading drapers of the world. Date: 1915

Two dresses by Martial et Armand and Bernard
Two fashionable ladies wearing the latest dress designs. On the left, a long sleeved pink crepe two tier dress with dark pink velvet trim and matching brimmed hat, by Martial et Armand

Fashions for February, 1844
Engraving of two women modelling The Illustrated London News idea of Fashion for February 1844. The full caption reads as follows: No.1

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"Crape: A Journey Through Time and Style" Step into the world of crape, a versatile fabric that has left its mark on history. From the elegant Lagerstroemia indica, commonly known as Crape myrtle, to the somber armbands worn by British officers at Buckingham Palace during times of mourning, it has played various roles throughout time. In an enchanting engraving titled "Un Voyage En Bateau A Travers L Atlantique, " we witness the allure as women don their finest theatre attire in 1814. The delicate folds and graceful drapes of their gowns showcase the fabric's timeless elegance. But crape is not limited to formal occasions alone. An Original Boudoir Pyjama from another era demonstrates how this fabric can be both comfortable and stylish. Its soft texture embraces you while exuding sophistication. Moving forward in time, we encounter Courtaulds waterproof crape for mourning in 1915. This innovative creation allowed individuals to pay their respects without compromising style or practicality—a testament to how fashion adapts with changing needs. Advertisements featuring dresses by Martial et Armand and Bernard reveal how designers embraced crape's versatility in creating stunning garments. Whether it was a Milwata race-coat or Fashions for February 1844, these creations showcased the fabric's ability to enhance any ensemble. As we reflect on history's tapestry woven with threads of crape, let us appreciate its enduring presence across cultures and eras. It symbolizes resilience—adapting effortlessly from royal ceremonies at Buckingham Palace to everyday wear—and continues to captivate our imagination through its timeless beauty.