Images(2)

Dress and belt

Dateca. 1780-1790 (textile); 1825-1830 (dress)

MediumCotton

DimensionsA: OL from shoulder to hem 49 inn; Bust 27 in.; Waist 20 in. B: OL 22 ½ in.

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-178,A&B

DescriptionWomen’s dress made of lightweight printed cotton block printed with flowers, leaves, and berries extending from vines in red and brown with penciled blue. The cotton has a series of woven stripes. Full length sleeves gathered at shoulder with the most fullness at the shoulder. The sleeves are heavily pieced. The bodice has decorative gathers from the shoulders to the center front. There are four rows of piped trim along the neckline and down the center front of the bodice. There is piping on the center back bodice seams, armscye, and cuffs. The front of the bodice is lined with gauze. The back of the bodice and the waistband are lined with white cotton; potentially a later addition. The hem is faced with gauze. There is evidence of repair on the left shoulder. The dress fastens down the center back of the bodice with a series of hooks and eyes. The dress has a matching belt made of matching printed cotton and lined with white cotton. The belt fastens with three pairs of hooks and eyes at each end.

Construction History:
1. Textile woven and block printed ca. 1780-1790.
2. Dress constructed ca. 1825-1830.
3. Waist reinforced. Lining may have been partially altered. Shoulder repaired.
Label TextThe trailing flowering vines on this dress date the textile ca. 1780-1790. However, the expense of fabric and the cyclical nature of fashion meant these textiles were often reused. This textile may have started its life as a longer waisted Italian gown, but survives with the higher waist and gathered shoulders of a dress ca. 1825-1830.
ProvenancePrior to 1973, Mrs. Hunsdon Cary (Mary Miller) (Richmond, VA); 1973 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)