Dress
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1865-1870
MediumHand-stitched and machine-stitched silk and cotton, with velvet trim, wool braid, metal hooks and eyes, and cotton-covered ferrous metal buttons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width across shoulders): 64 1/2 x 17 1/2in. (163.8 x 44.5cm)
Hem (circumference): 171in. (434.3cm)
Other (center front length ): 54 1/2in. (138.4cm)
Hem (circumference): 171in. (434.3cm)
Other (center front length ): 54 1/2in. (138.4cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of the Heirs of Theodora Talcott Slater
DescriptionWoman's day dress of cream and black windowpane check silk, with a high, round neckline, dropped shoulder, and coat sleeves. The bodice closes at center front with ten small, dome-shaped, black buttons. The dress is decorated with black velvet ribbon: a strip of 1 1/2-inch-wide ribbon is surrounded on three sides with two rows of 1/2-inch-wide ribbon. This is arranged horizontally, extending from the armscye over the bust on the front of the bodice, and at the wrist of each sleeve. The bodice is fitted with two darts on either side of the bodice opening (these darts have been released and now appear like pleats). The bodice is lined with undyed twill-woven cotton.
The skirt is flat in front, pleated over the hips, and cartridge-pleated in back. There is an in-seam pocket on the right side. The black velvet ribbon is arranged along the bottom of the skirt, similar to its appearance on the bodice: a vertical strip of wide black velvet is surrounded on three sides with two rows of narrower black velvet ribbon, which then are carried along the bottom edge to the next vertical element, in a continuous design. The bottom edge of the skirt is bound with black wool tape. The skirt is lined with glazed white cotton. The hem is lined additionally with a stiff strip about 4 1/2 inches wide of woven horsehair and cotton. The skirt has been lengthened in front, as there is an old fold line about 2 1/2 inches below the current folded edge; also, the skirt has been lengthened with a strip of muslin stitched between the bodice edge and top of the skirt.
The skirt is flat in front, pleated over the hips, and cartridge-pleated in back. There is an in-seam pocket on the right side. The black velvet ribbon is arranged along the bottom of the skirt, similar to its appearance on the bodice: a vertical strip of wide black velvet is surrounded on three sides with two rows of narrower black velvet ribbon, which then are carried along the bottom edge to the next vertical element, in a continuous design. The bottom edge of the skirt is bound with black wool tape. The skirt is lined with glazed white cotton. The hem is lined additionally with a stiff strip about 4 1/2 inches wide of woven horsehair and cotton. The skirt has been lengthened in front, as there is an old fold line about 2 1/2 inches below the current folded edge; also, the skirt has been lengthened with a strip of muslin stitched between the bodice edge and top of the skirt.
Object number1978.1.1019
InscribedHand-written tag stitched inside back of waistline, black ink on cotton tape: "Miss Churchill / L. Thompson / Scene II".NotesHistorical Notes: After its original use as a regular garment, this dress was the property of a theatre company; it was altered to be worn as a costume by an actress named Miss Churchill.On View
Not on view
