Lieutenant
Governor William Tailer’s Embroidered Silk Waistcoat (by 1730)
As
part of my research fellowship at the Massachussetts Historical Society, I
spent time examining two waistcoats in the collection – one owned by Andrew
Oliver and the other by William Tailer. Lt. Gov.
William Tailer's stunning embroidered
waistcoat with metallic thread and spangles, c. 1720-1730, is housed in the
collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Born into the wealthy Stoughton family, he
served as Lt. Gov. of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. Tailer died in
1731/32. He was the father of Rebecca Tailer (Byles) whose 1747 wedding dress
is also preserved at the MHS, along with family papers, letters and copy books,
adding to the rich documentation available for this merchant elite Boston-based
family.
The
embroidery is on a heavy white/off white silk and is complex, with naturalistic
rococo floral motifs, including some lovely shading of the leaves and flowers.
Most likely from England or from France, inspection reveals the garment was
altered - let-out- in the sides and along the neck/shoulders to accommodate
Tailer’s increasing girth. The alterations were skillfully done and would not
have been visible under his coat.
The waistcoat features actual pockets (rather than ornamental pocket flaps). The buttons are backed by gold foil and feature metallic thread over a wood core. The buttonholes are meticulously finished, also with gold thread.
The waistcoat features actual pockets (rather than ornamental pocket flaps). The buttons are backed by gold foil and feature metallic thread over a wood core. The buttonholes are meticulously finished, also with gold thread.
The
waistcoat is in fine condition and I will share more as my research progresses.
Thank you to Curator Anne Bentley for her assistance and for sharing her knowledge.
Thank you to Curator Anne Bentley for her assistance and for sharing her knowledge.
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