Casgliadau Arlein

Dark plum silk velevet breeches. Part of a three-piece suit worn by Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, 4th Baronet (1748-89). The silk velvet may have been purchased in Turin, Italy. Possibly worn at his coming of age party in 1770.

Made to match coat, but of a slightly different fabric colour. High waist at back, with button fly and fall front flap. Fully lined with fine, white linen. Slit at back of waist with one lace hole on either side. Six metal buttons around waist. Four button fly, of which the two lower ones are metal and the upper ones are self-fabric-covered buttons. Fall front flap and fly are lined with black silk. This silk has a weave pattern of a diagonal stripe. The lower edge of this black fabric is loose and is pinked at intervals to reduce fraying. The upper edge of the fall front flap has three button holes (centre fastens onto fly button, the outer two fasten onto two extra velvet covered buttons at either side). Five smaller velvet covered buttons fasten at each knee. 5-6cm wide band of fine white silk lining along inner waist. Narrow facing of black silk along centre back slit. Narrow black silk facing also on inner lower leg and along button closure at knee. Selvages of the velvet fabric visible along the inner side seams. There are two horizontal lines on the right front. These seem to be due to a mistake in the weave.