Two-piece dress
People and Brands:
Medium: Green silk, white brocade, and beads
Date: c. 1888
Country: USA
Credit: Museum purchase
Ferns were the subject of an intense “mania” during the Victorian era. One of the oldest forms of plant life, the fern metaphorically captured the majesty of primordial time. Collecting ferns became one of the few hobbies to transcend class and gender barriers. Fern motifs, such as the one on this dress, appeared on everything from clothing to tombstones.
Object Number: P87.20.42
