The dress is made of beautiful glazed chintz. It consists of a bodice and matching skirt. The fabric is resist-printed with colourful trailing florals set in contrast against a black ground. It is heavily glazed, giving it a very shiny finish. The dress is very simple in its construction. The bodice is lined in linen. It follows the typical mid-19th-century shape: a high neck and pointed waist. The sleeves are long with a gradual flare towards the cuff. Given the shape of the sleeves, I would think the dress likely dates from the late 1840s to early 1850s, although it’s clearly a simple provincial style. The bodice fastens with hooks and bars down the centre back. The skirt is gathered to a cotton waistband. This is possibly a later waistband. The skirt is quite full and would have been worn over many layers of petticoats. The skirt is unlined with a cotton facing at the hem.
The dress is in good condition for its age. There are a few small holes, but generally the fabric is bright, colourful, and still highly glazed. The dress is a lovely example of everyday clothing worn by a practical country lady.
Approximate measurements
Bust: 38 inches
Waist: 32 inches
Skirt length: 38 inches
The dress is made of beautiful glazed chintz. It consists of a bodice and matching skirt. The fabric is resist-printed with colourful trailing florals set in contrast against a black ground. It is heavily glazed, giving it a very shiny finish. The dress is very simple in its construction. The bodice is lined in linen. It follows the typical mid-19th-century shape: a high neck and pointed waist. The sleeves are long with a gradual flare towards the cuff. Given the shape of the sleeves, I would think the dress likely dates from the late 1840s to early 1850s, although it’s clearly a simple provincial style. The bodice fastens with hooks and bars down the centre back. The skirt is gathered to a cotton waistband. This is possibly a later waistband. The skirt is quite full and would have been worn over many layers of petticoats. The skirt is unlined with a cotton facing at the hem.
The dress is in good condition for its age. There are a few small holes, but generally the fabric is bright, colourful, and still highly glazed. The dress is a lovely example of everyday clothing worn by a practical country lady.
Approximate measurements
Bust: 38 inches
Waist: 32 inches
Skirt length: 38 inches
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