Images(4)

Gown and Petticoat, brocaded silk

Date1760-1770

OriginGreat Britain (textile); originally worn in Ireland and later America, Maryland, Baltimore

MediumSilk, linen, cotton

DimensionsA. Gown OL 58 inches
B. Petticoat OL 40 inches
Textile selvage width approx. 20 1/4 inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-134,A&B

DescriptionWoman's sack gown and matching petticoat of cream ribbed silk brocaded with cream-color scattered baskets filled with flowers in colors of blue, green, red, pink, lavender, and yellow. The baskets fill the spaces between a sub-pattern of cream-color meandering vines and small flowers.
A. The gown is open at the front to be worn with a stomacher (missing). The gown is trimmed with matching graduated robings pleated and edged with silk tied fringe ("fly fringe"). The robings run from the back neckline, down the front bodice, and extending into the skirt fronts, widening from the bodice into skirt. The open skirt fronts are edged with the same silk fringe. Fitted elbow-length sleeves end in double ruffles edged with fringe. The back has deep pleats falling from the shoulders and extending into the skirt. The bodice and sleeves are fully lined with brown linen; later extensions to the center front lining fasten with four sets of hooks and eyes. The full skirt is faced at the hem with a wide band of thin silk. A wide hem is turned up and tucked to take up excess fabric; the present hem was stitched a later date to shorten the gown.
B. Petticoat of brocaded silk to match gown. The bottom portion of the full skirt is trimmed at the center front and sides with an eleven-inch wide pleated ruffle trimmed with silk "fly" fringe." The petticoat back is plain without the ruffle. The hem is faced with a wide band of thin silk facing. The pettcoat is roughly stitched to a modern machine-sewn waistband that extends down five inches into the skirt.
The condition of both pieces is fragile, with splits and stains.
Alterations: gown and petticoat probably made 1760-1770. Petticoat altered and skirt hem shortened in late nineteenth century or twentieth century.Label TextThis gown and matching petticoat of patterned brocaded silk were treasured by the family and brought to America when the family moved from Ireland to Baltimore, Maryland, sometime in the nineteenth century.Mark(s)A. Old accession number tape stitched into gown neckline reads "41.50.1.a." B. Similar number stitched into petticoat waistband reads "41.50.1.b." Oval red and white paper tag sewn to petticoat with inked number "36."ProvenanceAncestor of Bridget Amelia Fitzgerald Kennedy Poe (Mrs. Jacob Poe, b. Ireland 1775 - d. Maryland 1844); by descent to daughter Amelia Fitzgerald Poe (Baltimore, MD, 1809-1887); by descent through subsequent unidentified family members to Mrs. Amelia Poe Davier (Plainfield, NJ); gift to the Valentine Museum, 1941; gift to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 2023.