Images(4)

Mother - Daughter Dresses

Dateca. 1826-1830

OriginEurope, England

MediumCotton, linen

Dimensions1-
OL 54 1/4 in.
Bust 34 1/4 in.

2-
OL 42 1/4 in.
Bust 26 1/2 in.
Waist 22 in.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, James L. Mullins in memory of Dr. Kathleen Stiso Mullins

Object number2022-25,1&2

DescriptionMother-Daughter dresses made of identical roller printed fabric; red and white flowers, palms, and shells on a yellow ground.

2022-25,1- Mother dress. The dress fastens down the center front, with an apron-style skirt front that is gathered on a drawstring and ties around the waist. The bodice has two interior flaps made of printed cotton and linen that fit over the bust. The bodice is lined with white linen. The dress has long sleeves that are partially lined with white linen. The sleeves have pleats at the cuff and matching bands that fasten with a button. The bodice has a diamond shaped back seam with pleating in the center. The dress has a full skirt with two ruffles. The collar, hem, and cuffs are trimmed with tan braid.

2022-25,2- Daughter dress. The dress fastens down the center back with five matching fabric-covered buttons and ties at the waist. The bodice and upper portion of the sleeve are lined with linen. The bodice has v-shaped piping and pleating. The sleeves are full length, gathered at the shoulder, and have narrow piped cuffs. The skirt has a separate panel, made of matching fabric and lined with glazed, yellow linen.

Both dresses show signs of period alteration.Label TextThis pair of dresses are an example of generational matching and may have been worn by a mother and daughter. Made out of the same striking yellow and red printed cotton, each dress has slightly different features and construction; a center front versus a center back opening, cuffs, and trim. Both dresses also show signs of alteration in the period, suggesting they changed to accommodate changing body shapes and popular fashions.ProvenancePrior to 2022, Cora Ginsburg, LLC (Sharon, CT); 2022, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)