Gown

Date1747-1750 (textile); 1760-1775 (gown) altered later

MediumSilk damask with linen lining.

DimensionsGown OL; 55"; Waist: 24 1/2"; Textile width: 21"; no full repeat.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1941-257,1

DescriptionWoman's gown of coral color silk damask in a pattern of lilies, peonies, holly leaves, roses, etc., with long stems parallel and intertwined with ribbon to form an overall zig-zag motif. Bodice of gown is fitted at front and back, ending at front waistline in squared-off points; square neck finished at shoulder with flat pleats. Back cut in one piece with center breadth of skirt, laid in flat pleats to body and stitched to a point at waist. Pleats are turned the opposite way on center back, reversing the usual pleating pattern. Elbow length sleeves pleated at shoulder (cuffs missing). Full skirt (to be worn with side hoops) pleated to bodice, is open and untrimmed in front; pocket slits; narrow, unfaced hem. Gown has been completely turned to show the reverse of the damask, probably because of wear.

Construction History:

1. 1760-1775: Initial Construction
2. December 28, 1955: Repairs by Ernest LoNano for the Margaret Hunter Shop.
Label TextGown
Britain, textile ca. 1747-1750, altered 1760-1775 and in nineteenth century
Silk damask, bodice lined with linen
1941-257, 1
About ten or twenty years after it was first made, this orange damask gown was taken apart, turned, and remade with the other side of the textile facing out. The seams retain old folds that indicate they were originally pressed in the opposite direction. The cuffs or sleeve ruffles are missing.