Images(2)

Dress

Date1815-1819

OriginAmerica, Louisiana, Plaquemines Parish or New York, Staten Island (worn in)

MediumSilk crepe, silk satin

DimensionsOL from shoulder to hem 50 in.; Bust 29 1/2 in.; Waist 23 3/4 in.

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-147

DescriptionBrown silk crepe dress with a raised waistline. The dress has a long undersleeve with a short, cap oversleeve. The dress is straight in the front and pleated at the back of the waist. The front of the bodice is lined with silk, and the back of the bodice is lined with white linen that is partially sewn down. The waistband is lined with linen. The dress fastens down the center back; the crepe has a hook and eye set at the top of the neckline and two sets at the waist. The bodice lining has four sets of hooks and eyes. There are four short tape ties sewn in the waistband. The neckline, oversleeves and cuffs are trimmed with padded rouleaux trim. There are three padded bands of trim at the hem with a matching ruffle.Label TextThis brown crepe dress may have been worn in New York or Louisiana. According to donor history, it belonged to Lucretia Benjamin (ca. 1786-1864). Her husband, George Bradish (1771-1835) owned property in both states, including a "country residence" overlooking the Harlem River in NY and a plantation and sugar mill, Magnolia Plantation, in Plaquemines Parish, LA. In 1836, when Benjamin was serving as administratrix for her late husband's estate, Magnolia Plantation was described as a 56 acre property, including a dwelling house, sugar house, steam engine mill, kitchen, and storehouse- supported by the labor of at least 117 African Americans enslaved by the couple.Inscription(s)There is a fabric tag sewn into the center front of the neckline, "35.14.6"; this is the previous number assigned by the Valentine Museum. There is a fabric tag sewn into the lining at the back right of the bodice, "35.14.6 Brown silk 1810 - Worn by Lucrecia (Mrs George) Bradish, great grandmother of donor. Mrs William Rixey."Provenanceca. 1815-1819 Lucretia Benjamin (ca. 1786-1864); prior to 1935, passed down by descent to Mrs. William Rixey (Helen Bradish); 1935 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)