Gown

DateNovember 18, 1778

OriginEngland, London, St. Olaf; worn in America, Virginia, Caroline County

MediumCream silk taffeta; linen bodice lining; silk lace

DimensionsOL: (center back) 61"; Waist approx: 31"; Fabric width: 28 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Mr. George B. Baylor

Object number1946-133,A

DescriptionWoman's gown of ivory ribbed silk (taffeta) with fitted bodice closed at center front and open front skirt to reveal matching petticoat. Bodice has scooped neckline trimmed with ruched ivory silk, fitted back, and elbow length sleeves (to be worn with ruffles, lace missing). The edge-to-edge center front closure was intended to be pinned shut. The skirt has a slight train and is trimmed with scalloped-edge pinking, further elaborated with pinked ruching undulating from waist to hemline. Linen bodice lining. Gown has twentieth-century alterations to trimmings and skirt waistline.
Note: Photographed with later lace shawl. Sleeve ruffles not original to gown.ProvenanceAccording to family tradition, this gown was worn by Frances Norton when she married her cousin, John Baylor, in London in 1778; they made their home at "New Market", Caroline County, Va. (worn in London and Caroline County, Virginia)