Christening gown
Mamas and Papas
Category
Costume
Date
2007
Materials
Polyester, acetate, nylon and cotton
Measurements
Dress - 970 mm (length); 320 mm (width); 765 mm (width)
Place of origin
Colne Bridge Road, Huddersfield
Collection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 663185
Summary
A long, 'special occasion', robe for a baby, which would presumably be traditionally worn at the baby's Christening or other naming ceremony. It is made from a stiff polyester fabric in cream. It has a short bodice with short puffed sleeves and a Peter Pan collar. The collar edges and sleeve cuffs are edged with matching ribbon. The bodice and sleeves, but not the collar, also have a layer of fine nylon net on the outside. The bodice fastens at the back with three small plastic buttons. Sewn inside the back neck of the bodice is a woven ribbon label which reads 'Mamas and Papas, famiglia'. The very full skirt is gathered in to the bodice and is made from the same fabric, with three layers of nylon net on top. The top layer is decorated with sewn-on flowers which consist of four layers of nylon net with several sequins at the centre. These are randomly distributed over the skirt, and one covering the lowest button at the back of the bodice. Sewn into the right side seam of the skirt is a ribbon label printed with washing instructions, size, etc and another short length of ribbon to which is sewn a spare button. The gown was originally on a wooden coat hanger attached to which, by means of a length of grey leather thong are two cardboard labels printed with information about the materials used and about Mamas and Papas. Also attached is a brown leather disc printed with the Mamas and Papas logo. Total number of items is 2.
Makers and roles
Mamas and Papas , maker