Boy's dress
Category
Costume
Date
c. 1868 - c. 1870
Materials
Fabric, cotton and velvet
Measurements
630 mm (length)
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 666806
Caption
Mourning, like many social practices, was formalised during the Victorian period. It was associated with the public outpouring of grief by Queen Victoria (1819–1901) for her husband, Prince Albert (1819–61). Public mourning was demonstrated through one’s wardrobe, including colour, style and fabric. A mourning wardrobe symbolised to society not only the relationship held with the deceased, but how long ago they had passed away. Black was worn for the ‘full mourning’ period, while more subdued shades were accepted during the ‘half mourning’ phase, usually after a few months. Ending the mourning period too early was considered a social misdemeanour and disrespectful to the deceased. Children were also expected to take part in this ritual. Even as a tiny infant, Travers Buxton (1864–1945) had a complete mourning wardrobe. The velvet ribbons on this tartan dress may have been added later, transforming it into clothing appropriate for half mourning. Dresses were worn by both male and female children until the age of around four years old, when boys would progress to breeches. Helen Antrobus
Summary
A boy's pink, green, blue and yellow tartan dress (c. 1889-70) with a full skirt and short puff sleeves. This dress belonged to Travers Buxton (1864–1945) who wore this half-mourning following the death of his mother in 1871. The dress is trimmed with black velvet. There are six circular silver coloured metal buttons which are sewn onto a strip of black velvet. Behind the velvet is a row of five corresponding metal hooks and eyes. The dress is lined with a heavy white cotton.
Provenance
This dress is part of a set of mourning clothes belonging to a boy called Travers Buxton (born 10.12.1864) who wore them on the death of his mother in 1871.
Marks and inscriptions
On the metal hooks: 'NICHOLL'S'
References
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. 120-121.