9.
VELVET SUIT WORN BY T. E. LAWRENCE AS A CHILD
c.1891-3
The suit worn by T. E Lawrence in the group photograph (no. 8).
Lawrence would later tell his biographer Liddell Hart that the family had very little
money. The evidence, however, suggests that Lawrence exaggerated their poverty, intending
perhaps to draw a contrast between the Lawrence fortunes and the wealth of his
father’s legitimate family in Ireland. In reality Thomas Chapman retained substantial
capital in addition to his annuity from the Chapman Estates. This gave him an income
equivalent to a good professional salary. It was more than sufficient to pay for clothes,
private day-schooling, a governess, maids and family holidays.
Museum of Costume, Bath
Jacket: 61 chest; breeches: 58.4 waist
Provenance: Given by Dr M. R. Lawrence, 1964.
