Summary

Alternative Name(s): Cloak, Capelet

Short black velvet cape with feather trim. Believed to have been used by Annie Blakeley in Melbourne in the 1880s, and associated with the reticule also donated by the family (HT30271). Although likely to have been made in Melbourne, the cape has no label.

The Montgomery Ward catalogue for 1895 illustrates a considerable number of similar short capes. Costume historian Marion Fletcher suggests that short capes, always made with a high collar to shield the neck, were 'an attractive solution to the accommodation of the large sleeves of the middle of the [1890s] decade'. The cape may therefore date to the 1890s rather than 1880s. The lack of lower trim suggest it may have been shortened at some stage.

Annie Blakeley (nee Shacklock) was the second wife of saw manufacturer William Blakeley, whom she married in 1886. Like him, she had been born in England. As a young child she had gone to Texas with her family, but the Civil War caused significant disruption, and the family returned to England, and subsequently moved to Australia. Annie was as the same age as some of William's surviving children when they married, which caused problems in the family. William had a further eight children with Annie, of whom five survived to adulthood.

William Blakeley was the first saw manufacturer in Australia, with several businesses in inner Melbourne in the late 19th century. The family became very wealthy, and owned several residential properties, including houses Hawthorn and Kew, and a farm at Red Hill. The 1890s depression hit hard, but William was just able to hold onto his business and it gradually recovered. He died in 1921, aged 82; Annie died in 1951, aged 91. The Blakeley business has continued into the 21st century in the hands of great-grandson William Blakeley.

Physical Description

Short black velvet cape with trim of short, curled feathers around shoulders (the donor suggests Black Orpington feathers). High collar with squared corners and beaded trim. Slots for hands at front. Quilted lining. Fastens with hooks and eyes. Machine-sewn. Tape for hanging at neck has broken.

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