Chains of Protection

Couple from Salamanca, 1912

Joaquín Sorolla

An image from the brilliant Sorolla: Master of Light exhibition at the National Gallery.

The couple wear their betrothal outfits, the woman resplendent in chains and necklaces of corals, medallions and reliquaries all of which are symbols of protection.

The exhibition closes on 7th July 2019.

Fur and Frill

During a visit to the V&A recently I was drawn to the cases of carefully preserved clothes that seemed to really resonate with fashion's current love of all things 70s. Velvet, fur and silk... fashion actually does go in circles.

This arctic fox fur trimmed coat is late 19th Century fare

And these frills and starched bows even earlier - mid 18th Century