18th Century Menswear Research & Recreation

This project analyzes Arthur Pond’s 1745 portrait of actor David Garrick to understand 18th-century British menswear and social identity. Through primary-source analysis, fabric identification, and pattern reconstruction, the research explores how the rising 28-year-old actor used fashion to signal cultural refinement and social status.

A half-scale replica of the coat was constructed with period-aware techniques, including its curved front opening, side pleats, embroidery, hand stitching, layered interfacing, and traditional pressing. The finished garment acts as both research validation and an educational object for museums and costume-history study.

½-scale 18th-century-style coat, inspired by the life and career of actor David Garrick. Yuyuan Wei, 2025, MA Costume, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL. Photography: Martin Del Busto.