University of London Academic Dress

by Philip Goff

A brief history of the origins and evolution of university costume, plus a guide to the gowns, hoods, caps and official dress of the University of London.

Ceremonial occasions in universities would not be the same without the colourful gowns and hoods which are worn. At graduation ceremonies, the new graduates and their families are often bemused to find an array of different colours, and wonder what they mean. In the University of London, each subject grouping has its own colour for the lining of the hood, while the shape of the gown varies between those with first degrees, Master's degrees and doctorates. This readable book explains what each colour and shape signifies, and how the various gowns and hoods have developed. It contains 77 colour and 36 black and white illustrations, with a colour chart for all University of London degrees.