Textiles and Stuff

Description

This dress is probably 18th Century and altered in Victorian times, and the bodice has been boned. It would originally have had boning up the front of the bodice but I think the extra boning is a later addition. It is made of a heavy silk brocade which is similar to some of the Spittalfields designs, in a pale gold enhanced with gold coloured metal thread. The design is floral, an overall design of sprays of roses and daisies. The bodice has a low neck with a silk ribbon tie and is fastened at the front with hooks and eyes. The half sleeves have cuffs of spotted net and double caps on the shoulders. The inside waist tie bears the name C Applin & Co., 10 Cork Street, Burlington Gardens.

The skirt is of quilted pink silk satin which is lined with a stiff cotton and padded, and at thehem has an inner finely pleated frill of three layers of lace. The quilting is a basic diamond pattern and is machine stitched. There are brocade panniers at each side.

There are a few areas of weakness in the brocade especially on the shoulders and also areas of wear at the waist of the skirt and a couple of slits and a small hole in the skirt itself. There are small areas of wear and discolouration under the arms. The silk drawstring at the neck has been replaced, as has the silk binding inside the neck through which it runs, but these could easily be removed if a return to the original is desired.

It is an interesting dress for display or for a collection.