Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Lucy Seymour Matthews
(American)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1905-1910
MediumMachine-stitched wool and cotton, with silk thread, silk ribbon, and steel hooks and eyes
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width of bodice): 16 x 18in. (40.6 x 45.7cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Elizabeth Wise
Object number2001.23.4a,b
DescriptionCream-colored, plain-woven wool/cotton fabric, printed with a delicate pattern of purple roses and green foliage, on a stippled green background. The bodice is styled with the fashion fabric ruched throughout, in rows approximately two inches apart. The neckline is wide and is trimmed with a self-fabric ruffle. The elbow-length sleeves are also ruched and trimmed with a self-fabric ruffle. The bodice is lined with a lightweight, plain-woven linen or starched cotton fabric. The center back opening is stiffened with boning for about six inches; it closes with hooks and eyes. The side seam allowances are ironed open, with the raw edges bound in a narrow cream silk tape. A petersham of cream silk 1 1/4-inch ribbon is mounted at the waistline, and has been extended with a 5-inch strip of purple tape, where the original tape apparently broke off.
The skirt is of matching fabric, and is also ruched throughout in rows approximately four inches apart. The skirt has a short train, and the bottom edge is trimmed with a double ruffle. The lining is the same as that used in the bodice. The hem under the ruffle trimming is bound with cream-colored twill-woven wool tape. The skirt opens at center back with a hook and eye at the waistline, and snaps in the placket.
NotesHistorical Note: This dress was worn by Lucy Seymour Matthews. Lucy was the daughter of Susan Elizabeth Terry. They lived at 1 Wethersfield Lane, property that was later sold to Colt.The skirt is of matching fabric, and is also ruched throughout in rows approximately four inches apart. The skirt has a short train, and the bottom edge is trimmed with a double ruffle. The lining is the same as that used in the bodice. The hem under the ruffle trimming is bound with cream-colored twill-woven wool tape. The skirt opens at center back with a hook and eye at the waistline, and snaps in the placket.
Status
Not on view
