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Embroidered Cope

Embroidered Cope (© V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum))

© V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum)

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Medieval

V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum)

1325

This cope is one of the very finest surviving church vestments of English mediaeval workmanship. It is fan-like in shape, decorated with Gothic arcading and scenes of the Coronation of the Virgin, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Annunciation. At some time the cope was cut up, then reassembled in 1854. Exquisite needlework was produced in England long before the Norman invasion. Constant reference is made in medieval chronicles and inventories to 'English work' - Opus Anglicanum- in connection with the most sumptuous embroideries. Popes and Princes sent to this country for their most magnificent garments and gifts of English needlework were considered a mark of special favour.

  • Medium: velvet, gold thread, pearls, & green beads
  • Art Fund Grant: £5000 ( Total: £33,000)
  • ArtFunded in: 1955

Provenance

By descent through the Butler - Bowden family since the Reformation; Col W. Butler Bowden.

Comment

  • correct spelling of name is Butler-Bowdon, rather than bowden In the V&A it is known as the Butler-Bowdon Cope. The name is part of its history as its survival is due to the recusant family hiding and looking after it throughout the Reformation until the 20th century humphreybb


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