Images(2)

Dress

Date1825-1835

OriginUnited States, Virginia, Richmond

MediumCotton

DimensionsOverall Length: 25 ¼ inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2022-133

DescriptionAn extremely fine white cotton girls dress, cut plain flaring to the hem with a law square neckline. The neck is edged in lace. Nine medallions are set around the neck line that inset with net and white worked around them. These same motifs are copied around the small puffed sleeves and hem. The dress closes down the center back with two draw strings.Label TextThe small child’s dress was worn by one of the girls in James Henry Gardner's family who lived in Richmond, Va. Shear white gowns with white work embroidery and inset lace were extremely popular from this period.Inscription(s)NoMark(s)NoProvenance1825-1835 worn by members of James Henry Gardners Family (Richmond, VA); ca. 1877, passed down by descent to his daughter Mary Phillips Garden (Richmond, VA)[1843-1888]; after 1888, passed down by descent to son James Gardner Florance (Richmond, VA)[1873-1969]; 1950 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2022-present given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)