Details

COLEM:1952.100.7.dup

Colchester Collections

dress, evening dress

Ball gown of pale green silk consisting of an off-the-shoulder bodice and full skirt (for crinoline), trimmed with cream net and lace. Altered at some point, with net on skirt probably a later addition. With net waistband threaded with green ribbon. 1860-1868. Bodice: Pale green silk bodice. Low off-the-shoulder neckline edged with gathered pinked trim of same fabric (this extends from the left side and has an eye for a hook). There is a frill of cream lace coming from the trim. Centre front fastening of five buttonholes and three remaining self covered buttons. Sleeves are very short and originally puffed, with a frill of net. Lined in silk and boned. Skirt: Same fabric. Very full - for a crinoline. Constructed from seven gores. Narrow waistband with hook on front real left. Organ pleated at centre back skirt. Evidence of alterations, with unpicked seams and waist being let out. Fastens left of waist with three metal hooks and eyes. The skirt is decorated with two layers of pleated net frills above the hem and five layers of pleated net frills down the centre front of the skirt. These look to be later additions - long seams on skirt are hand sewn but net frills are machine stitched on. Bottom of skirt is lined with a stiffened cotton. Waist let out. There is also a triangle of same fabric, edged with gathered, pinked trim. The triangle is pleated from the top to provide fullness. There are to hooks on the back real left side. Probably from some sort of waist attachment or decoration for the skirt. Ink sketch attached to card

1860 - 1868

Victorian

bodice, centre back length: 240.00 mm
bodice, waist 550.00 mm
skirt, waist 650.00 mm
skirt, centre front length: 1100.00 mm

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