Images(2)

Dress

Dateca. 1836

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Sussex County or Norfolk (worn in)

MediumSilk damask, linen (identified by eye)

DimensionsOL from shoulder to hem 50 in.; Bust 33 1/4 in.; Waist 27 ½ in.

Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-206

DescriptionDress made of gold silk damask with a flower and leaf pattern. Bodice has a wide neckline and leg of mutton sleeves pleated at the shoulder and cuff. The skirt is gathered and sewn to the bodice’s waistband. Bodice comes to a slight point at center front. There is a rouleau trim ‘V’ detailing sewn down the center front of the bodice. There is piped trim on the cuffs. There is decorative pleating across the center front of the bodice. The pleating at the bust is padded with batting. The bodice is lined with linen. The bodice fastens down the center back with nine pairs of hooks and eyes. A panel has been added in the center back opening to widen the dress. There is a set of ties at the top of the center back opening. There is piping on the center back seams and shoulder seams. The sleeves are lined and the hem is faced with brown glazed linen.

Construction History:
1. Dress constructed ca. 1836.
2. Panel added in center back to widen. Padding potentially added to bust. These alterations may be associated with the photograph of Lucy Cargill Pegram wearing the dress, ca. 1896.Label TextMany dresses in CWF's collection have seen multiple periods of use. According to donor history, the dress was constructed for Emma Blow (1812-1897) around the time of her ca. 1836 wedding to Dr. George Blacknall (1804-1862). The addition of a fabric panel in the center back and padding at the bust may be associated with rewear by Blow's granddaughter, Lucy Cargill Pegram (1875-1950). Pegram was photographed wearing the dress and other family memorabilia ca. 1896, and even mentions lending the dress to be worn in a "tableau".Inscription(s)There is a fabric tag sewn into the center back of the neckline, "V.49.162.01"; this is the previous number assigned by the Valentine Museum.Provenanceca. 1836 Emma Blow (Sussex County, VA); ca. 1890, passed down by descent and worn by Lucy Cargill Pegram (Norfolk, VA); prior to 1949, passed down by descent to Lucy Cargill Pegram (Richmond, VA); 1949 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)