John Anthony Coat (3rd Use)

Accession Number:  M.75.129.1
 

Label 1: Coat, USA, John Anthony, C 1970
 
Label 2: John Anthony
 

Note:  This project is not considered complete until every scrap of deaccessioned fabric has found a use.  Often this means that a single deaccessioned garment may yield raw materials for multiple new items.  In this instance, the garment has previously yielded a child’s lion costume and ear muffs.
 
This form-fitting coat is made of thick, felted, cream-colored wool.  Both the cuffs of the sleeves and the large padded collar are covered with spotted white fur.  The coat is lined with a heavy synthetic white fabric and there are pockets located in the side seams.  The coat has no buttons, zippers, or other closures.
 
During previous deconstruction, the fur was removed and all seams and darts were picked out.  During this process, a partial interlining of thin cotton canvas was discovered.  This underlining was three pieces roughly sewn together, one piece for each side of the coat and a third for the bottom hem.
 
A discarded pine branch was obtained from a back corner of the garden and all needles were removed.  A piece of fabric approximately 9” by 38” was cut from the interlining and folded in half lengthwise.  One end was then secured to the wider end of the branch using a metal thumbtack.  The fabric was tightly wound around the end of the branch and secured with two small nails.  The fabric end of the torch was soaked for approximately 30 minutes in an accelerant.  The torch was lit.
 
The accession number has been carved into the torch handle.