Group on the Fourth of June, Eton College, 1875

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Group on the Fourth of June, A. D. 1875

1911

Eton College in Costume

Scanned image and text by George P. Landow

[This image may be used without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose.]

"No one could appear on such a day as the 4th of June without a rosebud or a geranium in his buttonhole, and few would neglect to decorate their room, with bouquets for the chance of visitors appearing. . . . On ordinary occasions the various crews have only their distinctive flannel shirt, but on great days, such as 4th of June and check nights, they wear this uniform, which contributes so much to make the procession on the water such a pretty sight.

A dark-blue jacket and trousers, the former set off with brass buttons, and hanging loose in front, so as to show the distinctive pattern of a shirt which does its own duty as well as that of a waistcoat, constitute the chief articles of dress. A straw hat with blue ribbon and badge at top, and shoes and buckles on the feet, help to render the effect more complete; while the addition of a silk handkerchief round the neck, fastened by a ring and hanging loosely over the coloured shirt, gives a kind of easy air, while at the same time it puts the finishing touch to the whole costume. No one who has not seen the boys in such a dress can imagine how well they look. No needless finery, all simple and in good taste, and in perfect character with the faces of the wearers. May it long be preserved, if it be only to delight the eyes of those that are reminded by it of their brightest and happiest days. — Recollections of Eton, pp. 61, 68-69

Bibliography

Lyte, H. C. Maxwell, Sir. A history of Eton College, 1440-1910. 4th ed., rev. London: Macmillan, 1911.

An Etonian [Charles Frederick, d. 1892]. Recollections of Eton. London: Chapman and Hall, 1870.

Last modified 19 July 2006