Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
Frances Hodgson Burnett created the character of Little Lord Fauntleroy first in stories in St. Nicholas magazine in 1885 and 1886, and then in book form, published by Scribner's in 1886. Illustrations by Reginald Birch based on Burnett's descriptions made the little boy's fancy suit an immediate fashion essential. The suits were typically sew of velvet, included short pants, and a wide, lacey or ruffled (or both) collar. They were not practical, but represented a highly romanticized view of childhood that fit well into the paradigm of the much smaller families that were becoming common in the late 19th century. The patent leather shoes with jeweled buckles and ribbon ties are believed to have been worn with the suit.