A printed wool dress of circa 1855-60. The dress consists of a bodice with a half-length skirt which sits over a matching underskirt, creating the two layered flounces which are printed à disposition. The bodice is lined in cotton and fastens at the front with hooks and eyes. The pagoda sleeves are very full and sit over white cotton under sleeves. Both bodice and sleeves are decorated with strips of contrasting silk ribbon.
The dress is in good condition for its age and displays well. However, as is often the case with this type of wool, the fabric is a little brittle and has many small tears and frayed areas. Someone has patched the reverse of the skirt with iron-on fusing in many areas, clearly in an attempt to reinforce the most fragile spots. There is also some fraying down the front of the bodice; given the open weave of the wool and the density of the printed pattern, the damage is not overly noticeable. One sleeve is trimmed with pleated ribbon at the end, but this seems to be missing from the other sleeve. Despite its flaws, the dress is such a lovely example and perfectly represents the imposing shape and layered patterns so fashionable in the mid-19th century.
Approximate measurements
Bust: 38 inches
Waist: 30 inches
A printed wool dress of circa 1855-60. The dress consists of a bodice with a half-length skirt which sits over a matching underskirt, creating the two layered flounces which are printed à disposition. The bodice is lined in cotton and fastens at the front with hooks and eyes. The pagoda sleeves are very full and sit over white cotton under sleeves. Both bodice and sleeves are decorated with strips of contrasting silk ribbon.
The dress is in good condition for its age and displays well. However, as is often the case with this type of wool, the fabric is a little brittle and has many small tears and frayed areas. Someone has patched the reverse of the skirt with iron-on fusing in many areas, clearly in an attempt to reinforce the most fragile spots. There is also some fraying down the front of the bodice; given the open weave of the wool and the density of the printed pattern, the damage is not overly noticeable. One sleeve is trimmed with pleated ribbon at the end, but this seems to be missing from the other sleeve. Despite its flaws, the dress is such a lovely example and perfectly represents the imposing shape and layered patterns so fashionable in the mid-19th century.
Approximate measurements
Bust: 38 inches
Waist: 30 inches
Image 1 of 24
Image 2 of 24
Image 3 of 24
Image 4 of 24
Image 5 of 24
Image 6 of 24
Image 7 of 24
Image 8 of 24
Image 9 of 24
Image 10 of 24
Image 11 of 24
Image 12 of 24
Image 13 of 24
Image 14 of 24
Image 15 of 24
Image 16 of 24
Image 17 of 24
Image 18 of 24
Image 19 of 24
Image 20 of 24
Image 21 of 24
Image 22 of 24
Image 23 of 24
Image 24 of 24