Images(2)

Gown

Date1750-1789

OriginAmerica

MediumSilk, linen

DimensionsChest: 46 inches Waist: 44 inches Overall Center Front Length: 54 inches long Fabric Width: 21 inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2022-147

DescriptionA blue silk damask gown originally made in the 1760s probably with a stomacher front and robings and later altered in the 1780s to the center front closing gown. The bodice and sleeves are lined in a cream-colored linen. The center front of the gown has been pieced in multiple places to create the center front closing gown. Likewise, the sleeves have also been pieced in several places under the arm. Two tucks were taken in at the elbow to shape the wide sleeve. The gown skirt is made of 4 full widths of silk and a 5th that is divided between the two front opening panels. This gown shows evidence of lengthening at the waist, which was probably done at the time of remaking. One pocket slit on the right side of the gown skirt.

Construction History:
1) Initial Construction ca. 1750, gown with robings and stomacher front
2) Remaking sometime ca. 1780 making the gown center front closing and lengthening the gown at the waist.
Label TextThis rich blue damask has seen a long history of use, possibly by the same person or several generations. First made in the 1750s with robings and a stomacher, it was later remade by lengthen at the waist and converting it to close the center front. Remaking was extremely common in the 18th and 19th century.
ProvenanceSadly, little is known about this gown. It was put on loan to the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City before the 1960s. In 1960 it was then given to The Valentine Museum and in 2022 transferred to Colonial Williamsburg.