Name/Title
Wedding DressEntry/Object ID
2017.20.1Description
Part A) Taupe and blue striped Belgian silk bodice, hand sewn. High neckline with cadet collar. Fitted three-quarter length sleeves with faux cuffs. High waist. Peplum with triangular points on both front and rear. Single box plait in rear peplum. Both faux cuffs on sleeves and hems on peplum edged with finely worked ivory lace. Interior lining is linen, coloured ivory and light brown. Bodice fastens in centre front with eight glass buttons. Lace frayed in most areas, and small holes in silk and signs of shattering. Sweat stains in lining.
Part B) Taupe and blue striped Belgian silk skirt, hand sewn. Floor length and bell-shaped. Gathered at waist, with brown linen waistband. On left front of skirt is a slash pocket with linen interior. Skirt hem trimmed with strip of taupe jersey knit. Skirt interior lined with linen coloured ivory and light brown. Fastens in centre rear with single hook and eye closure. Some small holes in silk, and jersey edging loose in areas.
Part C) Matching belt with silk rosette. Strip of ivory lace sewn along centre middle of belt. Stripes run horizontally. Reverse of belt lined with ivory linen. Fastens with hook and eye closures. Some fading in silk.
Part D) Rectangular panel of taupe and blue striped Belgian silk, hemmed. Reverse lined with ivory linen. One side edged with strip of taupe jersey knit. One edge asymmetrical. Hems frayed and loose in areas.Use
worn by the donor's great-grandmother, Sarah Aldworth (1845-1939), for her marriage to William Westell West (1847-1924) in 1868 in England.Context
This garment is likely a 'Sunday best' dress made to be worn for special occasions. It includes an additional panel of material which could be added to the dress if the wearer became pregnant.Acquisition
Source (if not Accessioned)
Crooks, DonnaClothing/Dress/Costume Details
Clothing Sex
FemaleTextile Details
Fabric
SatinMaterial
Silk, LinenColor
Blue, Brown, WhiteMade/Created
Date made
circa 1865Time Period
19th CenturyPlace
Country
England, United KingdomRegion
Western EuropeContinent
EuropeDimensions
Dimension Notes
Bodice
Length: 67cm
Width (s): 38cm
Width (w): 36cm
Skirt
Length: 98cm
Width (w): 35cm
Belt
Length: 76cm
Panel
Length: 115cm
Width: 96cm
