Evening dress
Category
Costume
Date
1812 - 1815
Materials
Gold, Linen, Silk, Silver
Order this imageCollection
Snowshill Wade Costume Collection, Gloucestershire
NT 1349106
Caption
The silhouette of women’s dress changed in the 1790s, when the Neo-classical style became fashionable. While slower to make an impact on dress than architecture and the decorative arts, Neo-classicism remained a popular influence on fashion into the 1820s. The high waistlines, simple columnar form and use of diaphanous cotton muslin fabric are all hallmarks of the style, which imitated the drapery of Greek and Roman statues. In this example, fine silk threads have been used to render delicate flowers and leaves in stem stitch on the sleeves, cuffs, neckline and hem; silver-gilt thread accents features such as the stems. The use of pale tones in pinks, blues, greens and greys, the modest scale of the design and the inclusion of bow motifs further exemplify the Neo-classical influence. A thin plaited gold braid edging the bodice and sleeves and a heavy gold fringe at the hem complete the embellishment. Short, puffed sleeves are also characteristic of evening dresses in this period, which would have been worn to social occasions such as balls. Kate Bethune
Summary
An early 19th century evening dress (c1812-1815), of white muslin and linen. Lining - Sleeves lined with stiffened muslin. Waistband faced white linen. Cut - High-waisted, square neck, the bodice gathered at neck and waist. Short puffed sleeves. Full length skirt, smooth in front, gathered behind. Back fastening. Tape tie inside waistband. Drawstrings at neck and cuffs. Trimmings - Embroidered sleeves, cuffs, neck edge and hem. very finely worked flowers and leaves in solid blocks of stem stitch with various colours of silk thread. Stems and leaves wotked in silver gilt thread. Narrow gold plaited braid edging to bodice. Gold fringe at hem. Fastenings - Fastened at neck and waist with silver flat hooks and eyes. (Cross Ref. Nacy Bradfield 'Costume in Detail' p93). (female) Currently in box 73
Provenance
Given to National Trust with Snowshill Manor in 1951 by Charles Paget Wade
References
Jane Ashleford, The Art of Dress. Clothes and Society 1500-1914, The National Trust, 1996, pp.179-180 Bradfield, 1968: Nancy Bradfield, Costume in Detail, 1730-1930, Harrop, London, 1968, pp.93-94 Antrobus and Slocombe 2025: Helen Antrobus and Emma Slocombe, 100 Things to Wear: Fashion from the collections of the National Trust, National Trust 2025, pp. 94-95.