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This jacket is made from an old linen sheet and decorated with a floral design in coloured threads, buttons and beads.

It was made by Mrs Winifred Horton in 1943, when she wanted something to wear to a party.

During World War II (1939 – 1945) everyday goods were in short supply and basic items like food and clothes were rationed. Each adult was given 66 coupons a year for clothes, shoes and fabric. Each time they bought clothes they had to give up some of their coupons – and they didn’t go very far. In 1941, a woman’s suit ‘cost’ 18 coupons.

Many people created ‘Make-do-and-Mend’ outfits from old sheets, blankets, and other household materials.

Mrs Horton’s daughter, Elizabeth, remembers helping to make this jacket:

“I remember having fun sorting through her box of buttons, and particularly finding the pearl ones for the lily-of-the-valley on the back.”