A unique military tailor’s pattern book from 1895 – stuffed in a Derby drawer for decades – is set for public display at a London museum.
Chelsea’s National Army Museum fought off stiff competition at Hansons Auctioneers to secure the 129-year-old book, packed with clothing designs and sketches. The hammer fell at £4,600, more than double the album’s £1,500-£2,000 estimate. The premium-inclusive total paid was £6,062.
The result has amazed the Derby family who put it up for auction after years of wondering what to do with their talented great-grandfather’s artistic work. They’re now planning a trip to London to see it on display.
The seller said: “We’re really delighted. The pattern book belonged to our great-grandfather, Sergeant Master Tailor Henry Meacham of the 2nd Norfolk Regiment. When our dad died at the age of 99 we found the book of designs and drawings stuffed in a drawer in his Derby home. We weren’t sure what to do with it, so it ended up in a drawer again. It seemed a shame to keep it hidden away. We’re so pleased it’s going to the National Army Museum.”
The book contains meticulously hand-illustrated patterns and measurements for British military clothing such as mounted infantry breeches, spats and vests. It also shows medal ribbons from Victorian military campaigns, designs for groom and coachman frockcoats and civilian clothing. Striking drawings include ‘summer 1895’ fashion for men, a Victorian lady on a bicycle, dogs, horses, birds, fish, flags – and a pair of tailor’s scissors.
Anna Lavelle, Curator of Art at the National Army Museum, said: “The National Army Museum is delighted to have acquired the pattern book of Sergeant Master Tailor Henry Meacham. This remarkable work builds upon our extensive collections of uniform and works on paper and we are excited to be able to use it study the links between military tailoring and fine art. The museum is very happy to have secured an object of national importance for posterity for our audiences to enjoy.”
Hansons’ Head of Militaria Matt Crowson said: “It was an amazing one-off find. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m delighted it’s been purchased by the museum. It brims with page after page of fascinating illustrations, many hand-coloured. They showcase a bygone age. Information in the album seemed to confirm clothing patterns in the book had been ‘examined and found correct’ bi I.Hawkesford Inspector, and J.W.Pritchard, Superintending Foreman.
“Sgt Meacham was clearly a skilled draughtsman, illustrator and artist. One sketch relates to London’s Pimlico Cutting Academy For Soldiers, which suggests he may have served there. It’s better known as the Royal Army Clothing Depot. Period records from his long army career and civilian life confirm he was a tailor, both before and after his military service.”
Henry William Meacham, was born on April 7, 1860, in Beccles, Suffolk. He enlisted at Great Yarmouth in the Norfolk Regiment on July 18, 1883, aged 23 (service number 564). His civilian occupation was noted as ‘tailor’. His service record states he served at home from July 1883 though to December 1901. This included service in Ireland, stationed at Cork.
By March 1897, Henry had transferred to the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. He served in South Africa during the Boer War from December 1901 to June 1904, earning the Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps for Orange Free State and South Africa 1902. He also earned a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. His rank was noted as Sergeant Master Tailor.
Henry was discharged from service on October 2, 1905 but at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 he re-engaged for the duration of the war. It’s believed he served with the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment during WW1. He was discharged just before the cessation of hostilities in November 1918, by which time he was in his late 50s.
He was discharged from service under paragraph 392 Kings Regulations, meaning he was no longer physically fit for military service. As testament to this, he was entitled to the Silver War Badge (badge number B67082), and this was awarded in 1920. Sgt Meacham was apparently not entitled to any WW1 service medals, with the SWB being his only award from this era. He passed away in Norfolk in 1938 aged 78.
Matt said: “To serve your country from your early 20s through to your 50s tells us much about Sgt Meacham’s character. His pattern book also shows us another aspect of war, the involvement of master tailors in the creation of uniforms. It’s a fascinating history lesson and a glimpse of the way we were more than 100 years ago.”
Auction: The pattern book, Lot 98, sold in Hansons Auctioneers’ August 7 Medals and Militaria Auction at the firm’s Derbyshire saleroom.
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