Medieval-Style Thigh Decoration

A view of the thigh decoration from above before treatment. The object is rested on acid free tissue, half the object visible on the red velvet side with silk rouches, the side with space for the loose piece at the top allowing a view of the shattering silk on the other side below it.

Identification

  • Object Type: Textile replica
  • Date: Victorian
  • Origin: Unknown: specially made as part of a costume
  • Owner: Museum of the Horse
  • Maker: Unknown: handmade
  • Measurements: 
    • Base band: 56 cm
    • Top band (including buckle): 48 cm
    • Height: 45 cm
  • Materials: Velvet, silk, hessian, cotton

Summary

My object is a Victorian replica of a Medieval-style thigh decoration that belongs to the Museum of the Horse in Newark. Made of red silk velvet with silk ruches and metallic trim on each of the 6 strips that detail down the thigh. There are undecorated bands that wrap around the top and the bottom to secure it to the thigh. It is a piece of a costume which would have been worn during an event by someone riding a horse, likely seeing several uses over the period of its lifetime. 

Behind the Scenes

A view of the thigh decoration from above before treatment. The object is rested on acid free tissue on the workbench, half the object visible on the red velvet side with silk rouches, the side with space for the loose piece at the top allowing a view of the shattering silk on the other side below it. The loose strip to the left of the image before it was reattached.
Thigh decoration prior to any conservation treatment.
The main body of the object in a plastic box surrounded and stuffed with acid free tissue to stop the object from resting on itself while waiting for treatment. Viewed from the complete side with three strips of red velvet attached going from top band to base band.
Object in storage to protect silk from further shattering before treatment.
Close up of the red velvet strips with silk rouches on the bottom right of the object.
Close-up of the red velvet strips with silk rouches.
A view of the thigh decoration from above before treatment. The object is rested on acid free tissue, half the object visible on the red velvet side with silk rouches, the side with space for the loose piece at the top allowing a view of the shattering silk on the other side below it.
Object in studio lighting.

The conservator who treated this object is Chloe, click on the profile to learn more.

Note: All images were taken by the conservator unless stated otherwise.

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