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Sack back gown

Sack back gown

  • Place of origin:

    Great Britain, United Kingdom (made)

  • Date:

    ca. 1760 (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    unknown (production)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Silk, trimmed with silk cord, braid and ribbon, lined with linen

  • Credit Line:

    Given by John Sterling Williams

  • Museum number:

    T.77 to B-1959

  • Gallery location:

    In Storage

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The sack-back gown was the most popular style of formal dress for women in the mid-18th century. It was loose at the back, with the fabric gathered into pleats at the shoulder. In front, the gown was open, showing off a decorative stomacher and petticoat. This example is decorated with ruchings and ruffles of the same silk, edged with white fly fringe (a type of silk fringe). The arrangement of these decorations in curves and loops shows Rococo influence. The bright yellow colour of the silk was a popular shade in 18th century women’s dress.

Physical description

Sack back gown, petticoat and stomacher of yellow silk.

The sack back gown consists of an open robe and skirt. The skirt is pleated onto the hip to accommodate a small round hoop. Inside the pocket slits is a wound silk button and a silk cord. The sleeves are elbow length, weighted, and with double engageantes edged with yellow and white knotted floss silk braid. The same silk braid trims the pinked and pierced flounces that meander down both sides of the open skirt. Sewn in the loop of these meanders is a tassel or yellow and white silk stiffened flowers. The bodice and sleeves are lined with natural linen. Hooks for attachment to the stomacher.

The petticoat includes pleating on the hips to accommodate a small rounded hoop. The back and front are flat. The front is bordered with a pierced furbelow to which is attached a matching braid to that of the bodice, and about it there is a deep curved frill trimmed with the same braid. Looped above is a further braid, trimmed and pierced frill with pieces of braid stitched between. Pocket slits. Silk waistband hooks and ties at the back.

The stomacher is triangular in shape with a rounded point and to which is gathered a trimming of yellow silk ribbon matching the gown. Lined with natural linen and stitched to the back is a small yellow sachet of herbs. Eyes for attachment to the gown.

Place of Origin

Great Britain, United Kingdom (made)

Date

ca. 1760 (made)

Artist/maker

unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Silk, trimmed with silk cord, braid and ribbon, lined with linen

Dimensions

[Stomacher] Width: 11 in top, Length: 14.5 in
[Petticoat] Weight: 0.86 kg, Width: 28 in, Length: 38.5 in
[Sack back] Weight: 1.66 kg, Length: 61 in centre back, Circumference: 30.5 in bust

Descriptive line

Sack back gown, petticoat and stomacher of silk, Great Britain, ca. 1760

Categories

Textiles; Fashion; Formal wear; Women's clothes

Collection code

T&F

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Qr_O74093
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