Christening Gown

Date1871

MediumCotton, Lace

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2022-64,21

DescriptionA white cotton Christening gown; the gown is completely hand sewn with a large triangular lace insertion that is carefully worked with tiny ¼ peats, lace insertion, and whitework embroidery. Either side of the triangle is bordered with a double row of floral whitework embroidery. The tiny bodice echo’s the style in the skirt, but in a much simpler manner with matching whitework and lace. The sleeves are gathered into puffs, trimmed with fine bobbin lace. The waist and neck edges are made into casings for draw strings. The neck is trimmed with matching bobbin lace as found on the sleeves. This lace also matches the under gown (2022-19).
Label TextThis exquisite Christening gown was used by the Medlycott family for atleast two generations in the late 19th to early 20th century starting in 1871. It was at least worn by Florence J. Medlycott (1871-1952), Sir Hubert Mervyn Medlycott (1874-1964), Cecily Glyn Medlycott (1892-1973), and James Christopher Medlycott (1907-1986).
InscribedA paper tag attached to the gown reads:

May 13, 1907
108 Cambridge Street SW

Christening Robe used at the Christenings of:
Florence J. Medlycott
Hubert M. Medlycott
Cecily G. Medlycott
James Christopher Medlycott
ProvenanceA collection of 28 pieces of infant clothing (all 2022-64 accession numbers) descended through various branches of the Medlycott family of Ven House in Somerset, England. The baronetcy was created in 1808 and became extinct in 2021 with the death of Sir Mervyn Tregonwell Medilycott, the 9th Baron of Medlycott. Sadly these garments do not have association with specific members of the family, but were all found stored in The Manor House, Sandford Orcas, in Dorset, England, the home of Sir Mervyn Tregonwell Medilycott, the 9th Baron of Medlycott.