Gown
ca. 1740 (made), 1780-89 (altered)
Not currently on display at the V&A
Artist/Maker | |
Place Of Origin |
A woman's gown made from blue silk damask. The design consists of large flowers and a tree trunk further embellished by a decorative snail. The original construction may have been a sack; there are residual folds at the back. The gown now had short robings, an 'English' or tight back construction and elbow-length sleeves with narrow pleated cuffs. The bodice and sleeves are lined with linen. There are two rows of tapes attached at the bottom of the bodice to fasten; these may not be original. Cuffs of machine-embroidered net have been added in the late 19th century for fancy dress.
The skirts of the gown have narrow, stay-stitched pleats. There is a pocket opening in each side-seam which is seamed. The skirt is lined with plain wool worsted. Areas on the right and left front of the skirts have been replaced with a panel of different, lace-patterned, blue damask with part of a lace pattern.
The skirts of the gown have narrow, stay-stitched pleats. There is a pocket opening in each side-seam which is seamed. The skirt is lined with plain wool worsted. Areas on the right and left front of the skirts have been replaced with a panel of different, lace-patterned, blue damask with part of a lace pattern.
object details
Categories | |
Object Type | |
Materials and Techniques | Silk, linen and worsted; hand-woven, hand-sewn. |
Brief Description | Woman's gown of blue silk damask, England, ca. 1740, altered 1780s |
Physical Description | A woman's gown made from blue silk damask. The design consists of large flowers and a tree trunk further embellished by a decorative snail. The original construction may have been a sack; there are residual folds at the back. The gown now had short robings, an 'English' or tight back construction and elbow-length sleeves with narrow pleated cuffs. The bodice and sleeves are lined with linen. There are two rows of tapes attached at the bottom of the bodice to fasten; these may not be original. Cuffs of machine-embroidered net have been added in the late 19th century for fancy dress. The skirts of the gown have narrow, stay-stitched pleats. There is a pocket opening in each side-seam which is seamed. The skirt is lined with plain wool worsted. Areas on the right and left front of the skirts have been replaced with a panel of different, lace-patterned, blue damask with part of a lace pattern. |
Dimensions |
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Credit line | Given by Mrs M.C. Aston |
Production | Dress possibly ca. 1780 |
Collection | |
Accession Number | T.382-1984 |
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record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |