In December 2025, as part of my research for Weaving Silk Stories - the collection of paper and thread garments being made in association with Historic Royal Palaces, inspired by the history of silk in Britain - I went to V&A East for the first time, for a research visit. I had arranged to see three 1730's-'40's era coats, plus an accompanying waistcoat and two accompanying pairs of breeches. I had already made a naval frockcoat inspired by those from the 1830's but I wanted