Physical description

Full length dress in black synthetic or semi-synthetic blend (possibly viscose rayon), hand-painted throughout with a repeating pattern of red, green, white and gold skiers and snow-laden pine trees, probably stencilled to ensure the repeat. The dress cut in a slim line, with a straight skirt slit up the centre front to mid-calf, and with a fan-pleated godet in the centre back. The bodice raglan cut, short sleeved, with a high round neckline, the collar and cuffs of grey-gold fur. A short peplum at the waist giving a jacket effect. The bodice fastens centre front with four bound buttonholes, each of which holds two miniature plastic skis utilised as buttons, and the opening below the waist is fastened with press studs. Black belt in soft suede leather, faced with leather and fastening with two white plastic skis threaded through metal hoops and attached by a fine silver chain to the belt. A tape sewn inside the lower hem of the skirt gives the name of the dress as 'Indoor Sports.'

Place of Origin

London (possibly, made)

Date

1937 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown

Materials and Techniques

synthetic or semi-synthetic blend (viscose rayon ?) with hand-painted and/or stencilled design; fur, suede, plastic.

Dimensions

Length: 145 cm, Circumference: 66 cm waist, Circumference: 80 cm hips, Length: 104.5 cm skirt, Length: 93 cm belt, Width: 5 cm belt

Object history note

Worn by Leah Barnett Ross (nee Lyons, 1915-1969). She was painted wearing the dress by the society portrait painter James Penniston Barraclough (1891-1942).

Descriptive line

'Indoor Sports'. Long black dress with hand-painted design of skiers and winter sports, 1937, probably British.

Materials

Paint; Fur; Plastic; Metal

Techniques

Painting; Sewing

Categories

Fashion; Women's clothes; Textiles; Clothing

Collection

Textiles and Fashion Collection