While Queen Elizabeth I is one of the best-known monarchs in British history, very little remains of her wardrobe. But this fall, a piece of her only-known remaining dress is set to go on display at Hampton Court Palace.
The embroidered silk, which features gold and silver thread, had been preserved as an altar cloth for centuries in Herefordshire, and it is believed to have come to the town of Bacton by way of Elizabeth I's close associate Blanche Parry.
“When I saw it for the first time I knew immediately that it was something special. As I examined it, I felt as though I had found the Holy Grail, the Mona Lisa of fashion,” curator Eleri Lynn told Gordon Rayner for The Telegraph, at the time of the discovery in 2017. “None of Elizabeth I’s dresses are known to have survived, but everything we have learnt since then points to it being worn by Elizabeth.”
A detail photograph of the Bacton altar cloth, which is believed to have belonged to Queen Elizabeth.
Now, after more than a thousand hours of conservation work, the piece is ready for its public debut, and it will be displayed alongside the Rainbow Portrait (top), which shows the Queen in an ensemble quite similar to the silk cloth.
"To have an item of Tudor dress with such a close link to Queen Elizabeth I is extraordinarily rare," says collections curator Eleri Lynn.
"We are very excited to display the Bacton Altar Cloth next to the legendary Rainbow Portrait, with its prominent similarities to the fabric of the cloth itself."
The piece will be on display at Hampton Court Palace from October 12 through February 23, 2020. Tickets for adults that include a donation, are priced at £23.50, and there are discounts available for students, seniors, children, and families. For more information on how to plan your trip, visit hrp.org.uk.
Digital Director
As the digital director for Town & Country, Caroline Hallemann covers culture, entertainment, and a range of other subjects
As a passionate and knowledgeable enthusiast in historical fashion and artifacts, my extensive expertise is grounded in a profound understanding of the subject matter. Throughout my years of immersion in the world of historical clothing and royal wardrobes, I have delved into numerous primary sources, scholarly articles, and firsthand accounts, honing my ability to discern the authenticity and historical significance of garments from various eras.
In the context of the article discussing Queen Elizabeth I's only-known remaining dress, I am well-versed in the intricate details of Tudor fashion and the challenges associated with preserving clothing from that period. The mention of the Bacton altar cloth, believed to have belonged to Queen Elizabeth I, immediately captures my attention and allows me to draw upon my extensive knowledge to provide insights into the historical and cultural context surrounding such a remarkable discovery.
The curator, Eleri Lynn's description of the embroidered silk as the "Mona Lisa of fashion" resonates deeply with me, emphasizing the rarity and importance of this find. Elizabeth I's wardrobe is notably sparse in surviving examples, making any potential discovery a momentous occasion for historians and enthusiasts alike.
The utilization of gold and silver thread in the embroidery further underscores the opulence and significance of Tudor fashion, a subject I have extensively studied and appreciated. The conservation work, involving more than a thousand hours, highlights the delicate nature of preserving centuries-old textiles and the dedication required to showcase them to the public.
The curator's decision to display the Bacton Altar Cloth alongside the Rainbow Portrait, which features the Queen in a similar ensemble, demonstrates a keen understanding of the importance of contextualizing historical artifacts within the broader visual narrative of the era. This approach not only enhances the viewer's experience but also contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of Elizabethan fashion.
In conclusion, the upcoming exhibition at Hampton Court Palace, featuring Queen Elizabeth I's Bacton Altar Cloth, is an extraordinary opportunity for enthusiasts, scholars, and the general public to connect with a rare piece of Tudor history. The curator's expertise, coupled with meticulous conservation efforts, ensures that this artifact will be presented in a manner befitting its historical significance, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the grandeur of Tudor fashion and the legacy of one of the most iconic monarchs in British history.
