Images(2)

Gown

Date1750-1765

OriginEngland

MediumSilk "Lampas"; Linen bodice and sleeve linings.

DimensionsOL: 52"; Waist: 23 1/8" (altered)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-852

DescriptionGown of greenish-gray silk taffeta brocaded with brown and ivory in an allover pattern of floral vines intertwined by serpentine ribbon stripes. Gown has open front skirt with wide hip pleats and pocket slits together with back fullness falling from deep pleats formed by back center bodice panel stitched to waistline. Bodice has front lacing and pleated self-robings extending from square-cut back neckline, down front to form rounded-off points below waistline. Sleeves are full cut and have original winged cuffs at elbow with additional double, scalloped and pinked flounces. Bodice and sleeves are linen lined; skirt is completely lined with coarse cotton net.

Construction History:
1. Original Construction 1750-1765
2. Gown appears to have been altered "tucks taken in bodice front from waist to bust, and a dart from sleeve to bust. Robings altered on Bodice. sleeves taken in. Probably altered twice, 19th and 20th century" - Linda Baumgarten 1985
3. Ernest LoNano, February 1 1956 "cleaning, checking and restoring the following:Spitalfield silk dress". Likely when modern net on skirt lining was added.

ProvenanceEx Coll: James Frere, Blue Mantle Pursuivant, College of Heralds, London, England.