Dress

Date1830s

MediumRoller printed drab ground; linen inner bodice and lining; two different blue and white cotton sleeve linings.

DimensionsOL: 51"; Textile width: 34 1/2"; waist: about 21"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis Henry Lenygon

Object number1972-126

DescriptionLadies' dress made of roller printed cotton consisting of drab brown ground with separated clusters of exotic foliage and geometric shapes, set against a ground with angled "vermicelli" on printed vertical stripes. The gown has fitted bodice with fullness over the bust, gathered from a corded center band across bust to sleeves. Dress opens at front with hooks and threaded eyelets hidden by the center front band. The bodice back is lined with tabby linen; the front bodice has a loose inner bodice with lacing eyelets at center front, shaped with gussets for bust. Corded low neckline, designed to be worn low on shoulders. Long sleeves have dropped shoulders and bands of shirred fullness, releasing midway down the arms to form fullness over the elbows, gathered in again at wrist, which is closed with two buttons; sleeve lower portion lined with two different blue and white cottons, one stripe and the other check. The unlined skirt, consisting of three widths of material, is gauged in small, even pleats at the slightly-raised waist band. Skirt hangs straight, and is hemmed up 2 5/8". Cording forms trim around neck, sleeves, and on the center front vertical band.