Object: Dress
Brand:
Spitalfields, England
Date: c. 1840
Medium: Ivory silk
Country: England
Credit Line: Museum purchase
Object number: P87.20.7
DescriptionEnsemble consisting of ivory silk gown fashioned from 18th century silk with self patterned leaf motifs and scattered floral motif in shades of pink, green and brown; self belt dips to slight v-shape at CF with floral motif and side hook and eye closure; and original pair of matching scalloped ruffled cuffs (Dress was re-fashioned from 18th century dress, ruffled cuffs remain from original design)
Label Text:As fashion evolves, influential trends reemerge. This dress was originally made in the eighteenth century and later reconfigured as a contemporary silhouette. The Spitalfields silk fabric, in the style of Anna Maria Garthwaite, dates to circa 1760, while its silhouette dates to around 1840. Modifications to the original dress include a bodice that has been turned back-to-front and the addition of a pointed waistband and gathered neckline. This successful transformation owes much to the keen eye of the wearer and possibly her dressmaker. The original sleeve ruffles have been preserved with the dress.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions:
- Arbiters of Style
- Fashion Unraveled
- Ravishing: The Rose in Fashion