Bodice: Small high collar. Front fastening with hooks and cotton loops. Shoulder seams slope back from neckline. Sleeve has two seams and same material frill with trim of narrow white braid. High, round waist, set into waistband. Two darts at either side of fastening. Back cut in three curved sections. Unboned. All hand sewn. Fabric is strong cotton, Sea-green collar, with strong white cotton lining.
Overskirt: Fabric as bodice. Set on narrow waistband. Front fastening with single hook. Single frill with braid trim around entire edge. Scalloped effect to two side sections, which fall open from front. Cut in 4 sections. Two back sections gathered onto waistband (hand stroked). Series of tapes and loops designed to create panier effect and shape for bustle. All seams, waistband etc, hand sewn. Frills have been hemmed by machine (chain stitch) although attached by hand.
Underskirt: Matching fabric. Set into waistband. Front fastening on left side, with hooks (missing). Cut in 6 sections. Front section ungathered at front, gathering begins over hips. Hand stroked onto waistband. Pocket on right front seam. Trimmed with three rows of frills, as overskirt. Again all seams etc handsewn, with frills sewn on machine, but attached by hand. Hem unbraided.
Dress appears to date from early 1870s - high waistline, panier skirts etc. all passing out of fashion by mid 1870's. Ref. A. Buck, 'Victorian Costume & Costume Accessories'.
Department:
History DepartmentCollection
History Collection
Collection Item Data
| Accession Number: | CH1980.90 |
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| Accession Date: | 24 Mar 1980 |
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Material
Measurement
| length | 360mm | Collar to waist. |
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| length | 900mm | Overall length. |
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