Although William Elliot invented a fast black dye for silk in the 18th century, fast black dyes for wool and silk were not achieved until the end of the 19th century. This black wool stocking which is made on a circular machine is stamped in gold…

Cream silk stocking, embroidered with a variety of motifs sewn in silk thread, the toe and heel are missing. Possibly a practice piece for an outworker employed sewing the chevening patterns on to stockings. ID Number: DBMYU 1979-16/1

Pair of fully fashioned knee length stockings with knitted-in garter top, natural tan colour silk. ID Number: L-C-82-1983-9

Pair of very fine black silk stockings worked in the welt with MARY below a crown. Made for the wedding trousseau (outfit) of Princess Mary in 1922. ID Number: L-C-582-1961-3

Black cashmere ribbed stocking shot with yellow silk. 'E' worked on sole. ID Number: L-C-582-1961-33

Pair of children's socks with digit toes. White silk with lace knit front panel. ID Number: L-C-582-1961-109

Semi transparent stockings in cream silk with hand embroidery (chevening) between openwork stripes at the front of the leg and foot. The mark 'E' for Elliott's of Swanwick is knitted in below the welt. Made as wedding stockings for Laura who married…

A woman's jumper in spun red and white silk. The back is plain, the front has rather an heraldic arrangement of bands and stars. The neck, short sleeve and waist have bands of red ribbing. According to the information that came with it, this jumper…

A woman's short sleeved jumper in fawn cashmere lacy knit decorated with green spun silk zigzags. It has cuffs, waist and turndown collar in fawn ribbing and is labelled 'Made in England by Allen, Solly & Co Ltd', 'Pure Chinese Cashmere' and…

Man's waistcoat, the front hand-frame knitted in pale blue and white silk, the back of blue woven silk, lined with ivory and blue striped silk (both very fragile). Four front pockets, six brass buttons, five monogrammed 'JF', and four smaller…