Gown
Date1796-1800
OriginEngland
MediumCotton (Identified by eye), linen (lining) (identified by eye)
DimensionsCB to train 69.5”; CF to hem 44 2/8”; front underbust(waistline) taken flat 16”; 15” waistline back taken flat; sleeve length 12”;
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2019-28
DescriptionWhite cotton gown with coppered and pinned block printed red scrolling grass pattern. Grass is probably red millet or panicum violaceum. The bodice is lined with linen and was secured by pins. Gown made from three 35” wide panels with a separate bodice, joined at the back with a seam, extending into a train. Skirt is gathered in the front to the bodice, and densely gathered at the center-back. The bodice is cut so it overlaps with a low neckline with a bib front closure that is secured on the shoulders with buttons. A ruched band of the printed cotton fabric edges the back neckline. The sleeves consist of an elbow length white cotton undersleeve with 3 small horizontal pleats and a short over-sleeve with diamond cutout button decoration made from the printed cotton. The gown may have had detachable sleeves as pin marks remain on the lower section of the white under sleeve. All materials identified by eye.Label TextThis is one of two gowns, purchased together by reknowned costume collector Doris Langley Moore (1902-1989). Comtempory collector Helen Larson (1915-1998) then purchased them for her collection, before being sold.
Is it believe that these two gowns, made from the same fabric, were worn by the same person or perhaps sisters. They illustrate two different styles being worn in the late 1790s at the same time. This gown has a lower cut bodice with neoclasical details on the sleeves and neck.
