Gown

Date1780-1789

MediumIvory silk ribbed taffeta (lustring); silk gauze trim; linen lined bodice.

DimensionsTextile W: 23" (1/8" self selvage); Trim width: 1 1/2' to 8"; OL: front- 53", back- 67"; Waist: 25" in circumference.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-719,1

DescriptionWoman's gown of dark ivory silk taffeta (lustring) with fitted bodice closing at center front, deeply cut neckline, and elbow length sleeves. The open front skirt is pleated at waistline and has small silk loops on interior seams which allows side panels to be drawn up in drapery. Gown (and the matching petticoat) are elaborately trimmed with fancy cream silk gauze (1 1/2" to 8" wide) which is ruched and puffed and applied in undulating furbelows from waist to hem, and in deep flounces and undulations on the petticoat front.
Constructed with running stitches, average 5-6 / inch on skirt. Linen Lining: 60 warps and 60 wefts/ inch.
Note: Sleeves were removed and relined about 1970; one sleeve replaced.

Construction History:

1. 1780-1789: Initial Construction
2. November 1970: Restoration by Ernest LoNano. Section was removed from back of petticoat (replaced with new fabric), and used to replace one stained and ragged sleeve and area at neckline; other fragile areas were mended and gown was cleaned and pressed, all fragile gauze trim restored.
ProvenanceEx Coll; Doris Langley Moore.