Lace trim around neck, sleeve cuffs and midway down the skirt on the ruffle at the hem line. Has 5 rows of stitching around skirt above the lace section and above bottom ruffle. on each sleeve and front of top of dress is a lace insert. There is a ribbon at top of dress and at waist. There are 3 buttons down the back at the top.
Acquisition
Accession
1995.03
Source or Donor
Billie Rae Duckworth, Billie Jo Varner
Clothing/Dress/Costume Details
Article of Clothing/Dress/Costume
Dress
Textile Details
Fabric
Lace, Muslin
Material
Cotton
Color
White
Notes
By the early 19th century christening gowns were modelled on adult women’s fashionable dresses with a high short bodice, low scooped boat neck adjustable with drawstrings and a high gathered waist also adjustable with drawstrings. These christening dresses had short, capped lace sleeves and skirt front forming an inverted V. These dresses were designed to be worn over petticoats and not be removed during the ceremony. The shape changed very little throughout the 19th century.
The christening gowns were long and full cascading down beyond the ends of the baby’s legs. It had a V shaped yoke bodice and an inverted V front panel falling from the yoke to the hem. The gowns were unisex. The gowns were covered in beautiful embroidery, lace and pintucks.https://www.littleangelscouture.com.au/blogs/news/brief-illustrated-history-of-christening-baptism-clothes
Made/Created
Date made
circa 1890 - circa 1900
Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
Gown, Baptismal
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
Garment, Baptismal
Nomenclature Sub-Class
Religious Objects
Nomenclature Class
Ceremonial Objects
Nomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication Objects
Condition
Notes
tear on skirt where hem got caught in baby carriage wheel