Images Dated 20th October 2017

Women's motoring leather coat 1907

Women's full length motoring coat in soft green leather, very pliable and good quality, lined throughout with a checked woollen material of light weight with wide cuffs and sleeves with ample skirts are confined at the back with a belt. Date: 1907

© Mary Evans Picture Library

1900s, 1907, Clothes, Clothing, Coat, Coats, Costume, Edwardian, Fashion, Full, Hat, Hats, Headwear, Leather, Length, Motor, Motoring, Motorist, Motorists, Motorists, Outdoor, Outfit, Outfits, Puffed, Scarf, Sleeves, Wear, Woman, Women, Womens

Skating fashions, 1908

A trio of suitable costumes for skating. The figure in front wears a charming skirt cut in the latest fashion, the points of the stripes going upwards. The kimono jacket is made of the same material as the band round the hem of the skirt. The centre figure is a good illustration of the new tunic skirt and over-blouse trimmed with soutache braiding. The third figure is less original and the kilted skirt has not quite enough flare (in which case, I'm not sure why it's been featured at all!). Date: 1908

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Sidelights on personality - Mrs Charles Sweeny

Unusual portrait of socialite Mrs Charles Sweeny, the former deb of the year Margaret Whigham and later the notorious Duchess of Argyll. She is pictured surrounded by her favourite things including her daughter Frances, her dogs, Michael the Alsatian and Gaby the poodle, the family home at 6, Sussex Place, Regents Park and their Packard car. Also included is a shelf of books signifying her (questionable) interest in reading, her pet charity, the School for the Blind at Swiss Cottage and a swimming costume, reflecting her favourite method of keep fit. Date: 1939

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans