Gown

Dateca. 1850 from 1790-1810 textile

MediumRibbed silk, worked with silk and narrow silk ribbons; lined with three different plain-woven cotton textiles

DimensionsOL: 35" Waist 22"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1947-580

DescriptionGirl's gown or dress made of pink ribbed silk, faded to beige, embroidered with silk and narrow ribbons in a pattern of floral and leafy swags; bouquets of roses, carnations, and other flowers, many tied with bowknots; and stripes or bands of intertwining floral vines. Dress has fitted bodice with wide scooped neckline with self cording finishing the neck. The bodice is pleated vertically following the lines of the embroidered bands. The sleeves are set in and corded at the armseye, close fitting without gathers or pleats at the upper arm. Sleeves end in flared cuffs above the elbow with a horizontal tuck on the inner arm of each cuff for shaping. The full skirt, also embroidered, is box pleated at the bodice with cording in the waist seam. Back fastens at center with hooks and thread loops. Bodice & skirt are lined with cottons.

Construction History:

1. ca. 1850: Initial Construction
2. September 12, 1956: Cleaning, checking, restoring by Ernest LoNano for the Margaret Hunter ShopProvenanceVendor purchased the dress from a Mrs. Lambert, 10 Bruton Square, London, in 1937; the garment was thought at the time to be English, 1740.