Dress, 1880s

Lady’s dress in blue wool and red velvet. Boned bodice with gathered sleeves, red velvet false-cuffs and lace trim. Pleated shoulders and waist for false lapel effect. Lace highstand collar and red velvet false front, fastened with hooks and eyes and gathered at the waist. Short tail and fitted back. Skirt in blue wool, with assymmetric ruching and pleated flounces, with a silhouette designed to accentuate hips and rear. An understated piece in fabric choice, yet full of details designed to make a statement in colder months. The fit of the garment is very small, for a 22inch waist. The dress has been left in the sun during its lifetime before coming to the museum, as well as having been attacked by clothes moths and carpet beetles who both enjoy wool.

Materials

Associations

Wool, velvet, lace