Sack

ca. 1709-1711 (weaving), 1760s (sewing), 1945 - 1970 (altered)
Sack thumbnail 1
Sack thumbnail 2
+1
images
Not currently on display at the V&A

Artist/Maker
Place Of Origin

A woman's sack of yellow silk damask with a 'Bizarre' pattern of very large (two to a loom width) undulating trails incorporating a large pineapple and a triple leaf cluster linked by a small floral trail. The sack is open at the front with elbow-length sleeves with double, scalloped and pinked sleeve ruffles. The bodice and sleeves are linen with unbleached linen. The back has two double box pleats, each very wide, with the outermost pleats extending to the shoulders. The skirt is made of six panels of silk, with a waist seam at the front of the gown. Undulating trails of scalloped, pinked bands trim the front borders of the skirt.

The sack was originally made over from something else; patterns of fading and folding suggest possibly from a furnishing. The silk was much, though well, pieced in the 1760s construction, with the large pattern of the silk mirrored and well displayed in the back pleats of the sack.

There have been mid-20th century alterations for theatrical purposes; the pinked band inside the neck is a addition from elsewhere on the dress. The lace ruffles, black velvet ribbon, hooks, eyes and patch in the centre-back lining are also later additions.


object details
Categories
Object Type
Materials and Techniques
Silk, linen, silk thread, linen thread, cotton; hand-woven damask, hand-sewn, machine-made lace and velvet ribbon
Brief Description
A woman's sack, 1760s, English; Yellow bizarre silk damask 1709-10, altered 1950-70
Physical Description
A woman's sack of yellow silk damask with a 'Bizarre' pattern of very large (two to a loom width) undulating trails incorporating a large pineapple and a triple leaf cluster linked by a small floral trail. The sack is open at the front with elbow-length sleeves with double, scalloped and pinked sleeve ruffles. The bodice and sleeves are linen with unbleached linen. The back has two double box pleats, each very wide, with the outermost pleats extending to the shoulders. The skirt is made of six panels of silk, with a waist seam at the front of the gown. Undulating trails of scalloped, pinked bands trim the front borders of the skirt.



The sack was originally made over from something else; patterns of fading and folding suggest possibly from a furnishing. The silk was much, though well, pieced in the 1760s construction, with the large pattern of the silk mirrored and well displayed in the back pleats of the sack.



There have been mid-20th century alterations for theatrical purposes; the pinked band inside the neck is a addition from elsewhere on the dress. The lace ruffles, black velvet ribbon, hooks, eyes and patch in the centre-back lining are also later additions.
Dimensions
  • Shoulder to hem at centre back length: 140.0cm (approx)
  • Bust under armholes circumference: 78.0cm (approx)
  • Silk, selvedge to selvedge width: 44.1cm
Object history
Purchased from the Wallington Operatic Society in 1970
Collection
Accession Number
T.372-1970

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest Feedback

record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL