NEW EXHIBITION INCLUDES THE EXECUTION VEST OF KING CHARLES

The Museum of London is pleased to announce that one of the rarest and most intriguing objects will go on display as part of Executions

TICKETS: www.museumoflondon.org.uk

The Museum of London is pleased to announce that one of the rarest and most intriguing objects of its 7 million object strong London Collection will go on display as part of a brand new major exhibition, Executions, opening October 2020. The pale blue silk vest was said to have been worn by King Charles I at his execution which took place 371 years ago today.

While usually kept in restricted access in the Museum of London’s dress and textile store due to its age, rarity and importance, its inclusion in Executions will play a key part in exploring the capital’s uncomfortable yet undeniable past of public execution from 1196 to 1868.

King Charles I was found guilty of treason and subsequently beheaded outside the Banqueting House in Whitehall, London on 30 January 1649 in one of London’s most high-profile public executions. Following the monarch’s decapitation, his body was undressed and items of his clothing were distributed to people in attendance.

When the vest was presented to the Museum of London (then the London Museum) for acquisition in 1925 it came attached with a note of authentication that stated the vest was worn by King Charles I on the day he was beheaded and it was given to the physician who attended him.

The vest is knitted of fine, high-quality, pale blue-green silk with visible stains on its front. They ‘fluoresce’ under UV light like body fluids but could be sweat, vomit or another substance. The Museum of London also holds other items said to be from Charles I’s execution including gloves, a sash, fragments of a cloak and a handkerchief – all of which will also be on display in Executions.

Executions, opening 16 October 2020, will explore the phenomenon of public execution in London’s history through the stories, objects and legacies of those that lived, died and witnessed the events first hand from 1196 to 1868.

Tickets will be available from Saturday 1 February at 9am, and you can book online in advance for discounted ticket prices. The recommended age for the exhibition is 12+. For further details about the exhibition and pricing, please visit: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/whats-on/exhibitions/executions  

Executions 

Museum of London

16 October 2020 – 18 April 2021

Tickets go on sale on Saturday 1 February at 9am