Dress in grey blue taffeta comprising bodice, skirt, waistband and mantle. It is trimmed with silk and fly braid trimmings.

Given by Mr. Fred Hohler

Given by Mr Fred Hohler

Historical significance: The cape (T.624:4-1999) is particularly unusual and will fill a gap in our collection of women's outer clothing. The label in the bodice is interesting as it documents how shopping patterns were altering and the concept of shopping widening during the second half of the 19th century. By the 1880s the label had become very important in fashionable dress with a certain cachet attached to Parisian and London dressmakers working from a noteworthy address.

This garment was worn by Lady de L'Isle and forms part of a collection donated by Mr Fred Hohler (her great grandson) spanning twenty to thirty years in her life. It could be displayed as part of a wardrobe shoing how one wealthy woman's fashions and body shape changed from young adulthood to her mid 30s. This is the earliest ensemble which probably dates from the 1880s, and is complete with a bustle and draped overskirt as was fashionable at this time.

T.624:1-4-1999