Fashion Design
1936-39 (designed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This dress was specially designed by Norman Hartnell for H.M. Queen Elizabeth. A pencil inscription ‘Gala’ at the bottom of the page suggests that it was designed for an important occasion. The dress is entirely covered with an array of coloured sequins and would have undoubtedly bedazzled fellow guests.
The boat line neck is also trimmed with sequins; the sleeves are three-quarter in length and embroidered to the tip of the shoulder. The back has a long detached trail also fully embroidered edged with blue and pink patterned sequins in the shape of pyramids. The Queen is depicted wearing a diamond tiara. This ensemble is further enriched by elaborate pearl necklace and matching earrings. Across the left shoulder the Queen is also shown wearing a royal sash – supported by a ruby and diamond jewel. This dress exemplifies Hartnell’ skill in designing dresses with elaborate embroidery.
The boat line neck is also trimmed with sequins; the sleeves are three-quarter in length and embroidered to the tip of the shoulder. The back has a long detached trail also fully embroidered edged with blue and pink patterned sequins in the shape of pyramids. The Queen is depicted wearing a diamond tiara. This ensemble is further enriched by elaborate pearl necklace and matching earrings. Across the left shoulder the Queen is also shown wearing a royal sash – supported by a ruby and diamond jewel. This dress exemplifies Hartnell’ skill in designing dresses with elaborate embroidery.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | pencil, watercolour, bodycolour, coloured chalk, coloured inks. |
| Brief description | Gala dress specially designed by Norman Hartnell for H.M. Queen Elizabeth. ca. 1936-39. |
| Physical description | Gala dress specially designed by Norman Hartnell for H.M. Queen Elizabeth. A pencil inscription ‘Gala' at the bottom of the page suggests that it was designed for an important occasion. The dress is entirely covered with an array of coloured sequins and would have undoubtedly bedazzled fellow guests. The boat line neck is also trimmed with sequins; the sleeves are three-quarter in length and embroidered to the tip of the shoulder. The back has a long detached trail also fully embroidered edged with blue and pink patterned sequins in the shape of pyramids. The Queen is depicted wearing a diamond tiara. This ensemble is further enriched by elaborate pearl necklace and matching earrings. Across the left shoulder the Queen is also shown wearing a royal sash – supported by a ruby and diamond jewel. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Norman Hartnell |
| Summary | This dress was specially designed by Norman Hartnell for H.M. Queen Elizabeth. A pencil inscription ‘Gala’ at the bottom of the page suggests that it was designed for an important occasion. The dress is entirely covered with an array of coloured sequins and would have undoubtedly bedazzled fellow guests. The boat line neck is also trimmed with sequins; the sleeves are three-quarter in length and embroidered to the tip of the shoulder. The back has a long detached trail also fully embroidered edged with blue and pink patterned sequins in the shape of pyramids. The Queen is depicted wearing a diamond tiara. This ensemble is further enriched by elaborate pearl necklace and matching earrings. Across the left shoulder the Queen is also shown wearing a royal sash – supported by a ruby and diamond jewel. This dress exemplifies Hartnell’ skill in designing dresses with elaborate embroidery. |
| Bibliographic reference | Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1943, London: HMSO, 1956. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.37-1943 |
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| Record created | April 29, 2008 |
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