Images(2)

Dress

Date1828-1832

OriginAmerica

MediumSilk, cotton

DimensionsCenter front to hem: 36.5 inches Shoulder to hem: 39.5 inches Waistband: 25 inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2022-149

DescriptionA girl’s dress made from a very light beige silk taffeta with a fine dark brown pin stripe. Overall, the gown is trimmed in self-fabric piping. The bodice was stitched together and attached to the waistband. The interior of the bodice is lined in a light brown cotton. The dress closed center back probably with hooks and eyes which are now missing. Sleeves of the large fashionable gigot or leg of mutton shape are set into the bodice. The dress skirt is pleated into the waistband. The waistband is lined on the interior with the same brown cotton, cover over and encasing the raw edges. A very deep facing of brown cotton lines the lower half of the dress. One small ½ inch tuck remains on the skirt of the dress, 7.5 inches up from the hem.

Construction History:
1) Initial Construction: 1828-1832
2) A series of 2 or 3 tucks were carefully let out over the course of its initial use.
3) Hooks and eyes removed from the center back
4) Post-1846, side seem, and center back taken in with sewing machine
Label TextThis child’s gown mimics what was in fashion for her adult mother. Proportionate but large leg of mutton sleeves, full skirts, and the remains of one (out of four) tucks to be let out as she grew. Made from a very light weight silk, this would have been a very nice dress for a girl about 10 years old.