Laver, James (1899–1975)

English art historian. He is best known for his work on costume and fashion. His many publications include Taste and Fashion 1937, The Dandies 1968, A Concise History of Costume 1969, and The Age of Illusion: Manners and Morals, 1750–1848 1972.

Born in Liverpool, he was educated at the Liverpool Institute and New College, Oxford. He joined the staff of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1922, and was keeper of prints, drawings, and paintings 1936–59.

His other publications include Nostradamus 1942, Style in Costume 1949, Children's Costume in the Nineteenth Century 1951, Tudor Costume 1951, Between the Wars 1961, and Modesty in Dress 1969. He also wrote studies of Whistler 1930, Titian 1950, and Fragonard 1956.