Collections record Beta

Collection Record Detail

Object Name

Bodice and Skirt - Dress

Object Number

1977-01-20

Description

A (skirt): The skirt is made of a light chocolate brown silk-wool blend. The length varies from front to back. In the front the dress appears to be ankle length while at the back it is slightly longer. The extra length could have been to accomodate a bustle or to create a small train, both of which were fashionable. There are two layers of ruffles sewn in at the hem. The skirt is gathered at the back by the waistband. Two hook and eye closures are located at the back for fastening. The skirt is lined with linen in a slightly lighter shade of brown. At the hem it is lined with sized linen which gave the bottom a stiffer look. The sized linen, which measures 7 in. in height, is covered by a small strip (1") of green velvet at the bottom of the skirt. Two brown linen hoops are sewn into the front of the waistband. There is a combination of hand and machine sewing. B (bodice): The bodice is made of the same wool-silk blend as the skirt and lined with linen. It has ruffles at the high neckline. The sleeves are puffed slightly at the shoulder but narrow down the arm. Brown velvet decorates the cuffs in a single band 2" wide. Brown velvet also extends from the front and over the shoulders. The velvet forms a V shape down the back and ends with a a brown velvet bow. Several long pleats stretch down the back to the give it more shape. Two rows of eight iron buttons decorate the front. The buttons each have a floral decoration. The bodice, shaped on the interior by nine stays, is fastened in two ways. First, hooks and eyes close the piece from waist to neck. Next, a piece of cloth folds over to hide the hooks and eyes and is held in place by the row of buttons on the wearer's right. There is evidence of both machine and hand sewing.