Gown

Date1780-1795; textile 1740-1750

MediumSilk damask; ivory silk tabby trim; linen bodice and sleeve lining; silk skirt lining.

DimensionsTextile width: 20 1/2"; Length of large repeat can not be determined; 1/8" gold tabby selvage. Gown OL: 55"; Waist: 27 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-713,A

DescriptionGown of dark blue silk damask in large exotic floral pattern, fashioned with closed front, back-pleated bodice and open front skirt finely pleated at waistline to form side hoops and slight bustle; square neckline, elbow length sleeves and open skirt front are trimmed with ivory satin fabric cut and stitched to form saw tooth edging. Bodice is lined with natural linen; skirt with matching blue silk sarcenet. Small pleats are caught on back with looped stitching to hold them in place. English back.
Label TextGown
Probably Britain
Silk textile 1740s, remodeled 1780-1795
Silk damask trimmed with appliquéd silk, bodice lined with linen, skirt lined with silk
1960-713
The large-scale damask in this gown dates to the 1740s, yet the gown was remodeled to wear in the 1780s or early 1790s. Triangular appliqués of white silk at the neckline, sleeves, and skirt front help to disguise the alterations and piecing in the skirt. Typical of gowns in the 1780s, the sleeves are made longer in back to cup over the elbows.

ProvenanceEx Coll: Doris Langley Moore