Sir Charles Tomes’ LLD robes, London, England, 1909

Academic dress of LLD of Birmingham University, consisting of cap, gown and hood, belonging to Sir Charles Tomes FRCS, LLD, in steel box, by Ede, Son and Ravenscroft, 93-94 Chancery Lane, London, England, 1909

A handwritten label on the gown shows this academic dress was worn by leading British dental surgeon Sir Charles Tomes (1846-1928), who held several degrees. These are the robes for the honorary Doctor of Laws degree (LLD) Tomes received from Birmingham University in 1909. They consist of a scarlet cloth robe and hood trimmed with bronze green watered silk and a velvet bonnet with gold cord and tassels.

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1878 and later became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1909. Tomes was knighted in 1919 for his pioneering dental research.This academic dress was made by Ede, Son and Ravenscroft.