Collections Online

Pink tail coat worn by donor's father Robert William Llewellyn.

pink (*see note below) tail coat with pale lemon ribbed silk lining and revers (lapels); lining quilted under arms; interlining of undyed (=light brown) coarsely woven tabby linen fabric; 4 brass buttons down either side of front (double-breasted); buttons engraved with a leaping fox and GHC for Glamorgan Hunt Club; 4 buttonholes on both centre front edges with a 5th (on bottom) being just decorative (uncut); two further brass buttons at upper back vent; rectangular label (white tabby woven coated fabric) with maker's details printed in black and name of wearer inscribed in black ink (faded to brown) stitched along three sides to inner neck; stitch the length of a buttonhole stitched to upper reverse of proper left lapel using brown thread; narrow strip of ribbed silk fabric stitched to inner neck (above label) for hanging; quilting stitches underneath lapels and collar (not through into lining).

NOTE: Explanation of the term 'pink' taken from http://www.messdress-britishmilitaria.com/New/new_pinks.html

Why is the traditional red hunting coat called a "pink"? the name derives not from the coat's color but from the name of the late 18th century London tailor who specialized in sewing the popular field coat. The coats made by Thomas Pink were of rain resistant scarlet cloth, tightly woven and durable enough to be immune to thorns and branches on the chase. A Pink hunting coat was a mark of distinction in the 18th century, implying the wearer was a person of affluence and taste, and today the coat carries much of the same cachet.