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1. A spencer & a thread-paper [graphic].
- Creator:
- Gillray, James, 1756-1815, printmaker
- Published / Created:
- [17 May 1792]
- Call Number:
- 792.05.17.01
- Image Count:
- 1
- Resource Type:
- still image
- Abstract:
- "Two men in back view walk arm-in-arm, one (left) is short and fat, the other tall and thin. The former wears a short coat or spencer over his tail-coat, with wrinkled top-boots and a round hat, and carries a riding-switch. His hair is in a short queue with projecting side-pieces. The other wears a cylindrical hat with brim curled up at the sides, a coat reaching almost to his ankles with five capes forming a point in the centre of the back, with shoes tied with strings. He carries a bludgeon. The shoulders of both men are frosted with powder, see BMSat 8190. There is a landscape background. The spencer was a short double-breasted overcoat without tails called after George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758-1834), who is probably here caricatured. Gillray anticipates the earliest use of the word (1796) in the 'O.E.D.' The name derives from Earl Spencer's bet in 1792 that he would invent a coat which should become the fashion. 'Social England', ed. Traill, 1904, v. 676. This garment was associated by Byron in 'English Bards and Scotch Reviewers' with Sir Lumley Skeffington (1771-1850) ..."--British Museum online catalogue
- Alternative Title:
- Spencer and a thread-paper and Spencer & a threadpaper
- Description:
- Title etched below image., Printmaker from British Museum catalogue., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., and Temporary local subject terms: Male costume: spencers -- Neologisms: spencer (coat).
- Publisher:
- Pubd. May 17th, 1792, by H. Humphrey, No. 18 Old Bond Street
- Subject (Geographic):
- England
- Subject (Name):
- Spencer, George John Spencer, Earl, 1758-1834
- Subject (Topic):
- Clothing & dress
- Found in:
- Lewis Walpole Library > A spencer & a thread-paper [graphic].
