Images(3)

Gown

Dateca. 1780

OriginEngland

MediumCotton, block printed with pencil blue and overprinted green; white tabby linen sleeve and bodice lining.

DimensionsOL: 65" Waist: 29-30" Selvage width: 43"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1991-450

DescriptionWoman's gown of block printed cotton, with pencil blue and over-printed green, in a design of undulating and intertwining vines with thin floral trails. Gown bodice has low rounded neckline trimmed with ruffled sheer cotton (of later date) and fastens in front edge to edge with pins. Center front waist dips down in cut-off points. Back of bodice has stitched down pleats, turned toward center back, and extending down into skirt at center. Sleeves end at elbows, cut longer in back to curve down at back of elbow. Sleeves are without cuffs or sleeve ruffles (missing). Full trained skirt is pleated to bodice with tiny pleats, stitched down and held in position approx. 1/4" below waist seam; skirt open in front to reveal petticoat (missing). Very narrow 1/4" turned up hem. Bodice & sleeves linen lined.
Label TextThe gown skirt can be drawn up in puffs by thread loops sewn to the waist seam. This style of gown was especially popular during the 1770s and 1780s. The textile of this gown is printed in a floral design with a meandering pattern that copies fashionable woven silks.