Object Corner - H11874 Dress, c.1750-1760 |
 |
|
By exploring the dress, we can discover some interesting things!
Just below the waist, the side seams of the robe open up into slits 28cms long. 18th century dresses didn't have pockets. These would be worn separately, sewn to a waistband and worn under the skirt.
The slits in our robe would enable the wearer to put her hands through to similar slits in her petticoat, to reach the pockets worn underneath.
|
The button and pocket slit of the dress
| |
Below the pocket slits are two small buttons, covered with silk thread. It seems an odd place to put buttons!
However, on the inside of the robe - at the same place as the buttons on the outside - are two cord loops.
Together, the loops and the buttons were used to gather up the hem of the robe, showing the petticoat underneath.
The picture on the left shows this more clearly.
| |
|
A drawing of the back of the dress, showing it looped up on the left
|
|
|