The English business making wigs for British magistrates since 1689

The English business making wigs for British magistrates since 1689

Since 1689, an English establishment has handcrafted the wigs and gowns used by lawyers and magistrates in the United Kingdom and other destinations that still maintain that anachronistic? habit.

Anyone who walks through the elegant area of ​​the London courts will find at 93 Chancery Lane a shop window full of suits, black tunics, and white wigs. Above this display of formality, a sign with gold letters drawn on a predictable English green: Ede & Ravenscroft. Founded in 1689, the venue claims to be one of the world's oldest tailor shops, with a long history of listings from kings and queens to judges, lawyers, and graduates. There the wigs and gowns still essential to act in some jurisdictions of British justice are manufactured.

The business was created 332 years ago by the Shudall family, who assisted the royal family at 12 coronations and gained clients from church, state, academia, and lawyers. In the 19th century, following the marriage of Joseph Ede to Rosanna Ravenscroft, the latter family added wig-making to tailoring services. This is “ the” place to buy, rent or at least browse what the particular outfit that we know from the movies is about. The Ultimate Guide On Why Do British Lawyers Wear Wigs

Although wigs have been used since ancient times, the custom reached the English courts during the reign of Charles II (1660-1685), and from there it jumped to justice. White, with heavy curls that fall below the shoulders, they vary in length according to the rank of judges, lawyers, and civil servants. Ede & Ravenscroft's are made by hand from horsehair and are an investment for a lifetime, as they clean and repair them themselves. A short wig for a lawyer is quoted on the company's website at 599 pounds (around 80,000 Argentine pesos ).

The custom was installed in the 17th century to give solemnity and authority to judicial proceedings, although many claims that the real reason was to keep anonymous their carriers against possible reprisals from the defendants who recognized them out of court. As for the gowns, they were imposed in 1635 when the clothing for judges was regulated, which symbolized the immutable and impartial status of justice.

Legal dress changed little until a veritable revolution occurred in 2007 when Chief Justice Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers broke with centuries-old tradition by announcing that wigs would no longer be necessary in civil and criminal cases. family (arguing, rightly so, that they intimidated the children ). However, they are still used in criminal courts to maintain authority and anonymity, although many consider them anachronistic, cumbersome, and expensive. The tunics for the civil courts were also simplified, and the red and colored capes were suppressed to leave them in a simpler and less expensive version.

Despite these changes, Ede & Ravenscroft remains a benchmark for clothing for royalty, the judiciary, and academia. It not only provides legal clothing for the United Kingdom but also for other countries still attached to that tradition such as Nigeria, Australia, the United States, and Hong Kong. The strong point of the business is the graduation gowns that they rent or ship to different parts of the world. The store has also been expanding and any mortal with (enough) money can access a tailored suit for a considerable sum, or, if a modest souvenir is sought, cufflinks for four pounds (about 530 pesos).