Name/Title
Wedding Dress c. 1885Entry/Object ID
1971.20.01Description
Cream - Victorian in style - 3/4 length sleeves - square neckline - stand - up collar trimmed in lace and pearls - skirt with long train - pocket - bustle pleated tiered lace on train - pearl buttons - fully lined in cotton - velvet cut work on sleeves, front panel on skirt and bodice - machine made - stays.
Condition: GoodContext
Belonged to Mrs. Charles Dudley ("Dickey")Armstrong (Gertrude Virginia Ludden) m. 11-19-1885 Gertrude was born in Old Town, Penobscot, Maine, September 30, 1860. Her family moved to Wilkinsburg, Pittsburgh, PA by 1870,where her father, Levi Ludden, was a teacher/professor with the Allegheny schools and Western University of Pennsylvania (later became the Univ. of Pittsburgh). She was married in Pittsburgh and lived there until her death on February 26, 1945. The wedding dress was given by Sara Frances McClary Dewey, her granddaughter (1930-2009).Collection
Costume CollectionAcquisition
Accession
1971.20Source or Donor
Sarah [McClary] DeweyAcquisition Method
LoanSource (if not Accessioned)
Mrs. William R. Dewey III ( Sarah Frances McClary)Notes
ON LOANClothing/Dress/Costume Details
Article of Clothing/Dress/Costume
DressClothing Sex
FemaleTextile Details
Fabric
Silk, Taffeta, VelvetMaterial
failleLining
CottonColor
CreamLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
Dress, WeddingNomenclature Sub-Class
Wedding ObjectsNomenclature Class
Ceremonial ObjectsNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsOther Names
Name Type
Costume InventoryOther Name
c94Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Armstrong, Gertrude V. L. (Ludden)Provenance
Notes
Belonged to Mrs. Charles Armstrong (Gertrude V. Linden) m. 11-19-1885Exhibition
Red, White, and “I do”General Notes
Note Type
Cataloging NoteNote
Full length multi--pleated panel down left side of skirt, three multi-pleated short panels tiered down right side of skirt; ruffle around bottom edge of skirt; Basque waistline on jacket; tiered lace cap over sleeve with velvet-flocked band with lace and pearled trim; lace and pearl trimmed modified stand-up collar; large pearl button closure; double bustled train with ribbon attached mid-train to gather train up to be carried by the hand, particularly when dancing. The train is edged with layers of ruffles and buckram lace.
"Around the 1880’s when trains were very long they used balayeuse or dust ruffles - any thing from a strip of gathered fabric around the hem to a detachable panel in a half moon shape with layers of ruffles on it, which served a second purpose of keeping the train spread out in the right shape.They were detachable and made of sturdy, easily washed fabric, but they also often had lace and other decoration because they did peep out from the edge of the train sometimes." (www.reddit.com/r/historic costuming)