LONDON, ENGLAND.- Arts Minister Estelle Morris has placed a temporary export bar on a fine and rare gentleman’s doublet, made in England around 1660. The garment is one of only a few known to survive in Britain from the decade 1660-1670.

The doublet is in excellent condition and may represent a transitional period in mens’ fashion when the wearing of coats and waistcoats became more popular than doublets. The doublet is notably plain although remaining threads on the cuff suggest the removal of applied decoration (probably bunches of ribbon) Nevertheless it is beautifully made, with paned sleeves, made up of narrow strips of silk. The lack of a collar suggests that it may have been intended for more informal occasions but this design would have also better accommodated the wearing of a cravat, which became fashionable in the 1650s. Such a rare garment is an essential source of study for dress, textile, social and economic historians.

Estelle Morris‘s ruling follows a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art that the export decision be deferred. The deferral will enable purchase offers to be made to purchase the doublet at the following agreed fair market price:

A fine and rare gentleman’s doublet c.1660 deferred at the recommended price of £18,525.00. The above items are deferred until after 21 December 2004 with the possibility of an extension until after 21 February 2005 if there is a serious intention to raise funds with a view to making an offer to purchase the doublet.

Anyone interested in making an offer to purchase the gentlemen’s doublet should contact the owner’s agent through:

The Secretary
The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5DH