On View
Taking the Stage Gallery
Exhibition
Taking the Stage
Designed by
Norris, Patricia, American, 1931 - 2015
Worn by
Ejiofor, Chiwetel, British, born 1977
Created by
Western Costume Company, American, founded 1912
Subject of
Northup, Solomon, American, 1808 - 1875
Date
2013
Medium
synthetic fiber and cotton blend cloth
Dimensions
H x W x D (On form): 34 × 23 × 14 in. (86.4 × 58.4 × 35.6 cm)
Description
This white shirt was worn by Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup in the film 12 Years a Slave (2013). The shirt is made from a synthetic and cotton blend, or all synthetic light-weight white cloth. It has been artificially distressed and stained with dirt, foodstuffs, and other elements so that it appears dingy and old. The shirt has an open neck front with a standard collar, the neck fastening with three (3) self-fabric covered round buttons above a pleated front panel. The full-length sleeves are blousy, with pleats at the shoulder seams and the fitted cuff seams. Each cuff closes with one (1) self-fabric covered round button. There are side vents at each waist. The back of the shirt is pleated along the top where the neck meets the collar. The shirt is machine-sewn with serged finishes on the seams. It is not lined and there are no labels in the shirt.
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Type
shirts
Topic
Actors
Clothing and dress
Costume
Costume design
Design
Film
Men
Slavery
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Western Costume Company
Object number
2015.158.2.2
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ff7d73ea-5154-464f-9be9-464fc40595ee

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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