Images(2)

Dress

Date1820-1830

OriginAmerica, Virginia

MediumCotton

DimensionsChest: 20 inches Overall center front length: 20 inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2022-135

DescriptionA very small child or infant gown made from fine white cotton. The upper section of the dress is worked in Ayrshire lace with several floral and leaf like designs inset with fancy filling needle lace. This central motif is bordered to each side with eyelet worked and leaf embroidered patterns which runs down to either side of the top of the dress and splays out down the front of the dress. The waist is made into a casing and is embroidered with tiny French knots. The center portion of the gown skirt is worked in whitework Ayrshire Lace with floral motifs and more fancy filling needle lace. The hem is the same pattern that borders the upper part of the bodice. Three ruffles make up the sleeves and they are edged in a series of eyelets. The neck edge is finished with a draw string casing.
Label TextThis dress was used by a small child or infant. The beautiful embroidery on the front was known as Ayrshire lace. It was a highly developed and commercial production form of embroidery and lace that was exported around the world.
ProvenanceThis garment was donated to The Valentine Museum by the state of Mrs. John Hampden Chamberlayne (Alice Elliot Doyle Chamberlayne 1886-1966). It is unknow if the dress was worn by members of her family or her husbands, but it is probably that is descended through the Chamberlayne family.