Silk Taffeta Dress with Fringe, 1867

This dress comes from the Tasha Tudor Collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Tasha Tudor (née Starling Burgess, 1915-2008) was a writer and illustrator of children’s books, including Mother Goose and Corgiville Fair. The idyllic, 19th century world she painted in her books was the lifestyle she pursued: for much of her adult life Tudor lived on New England farms, weaving, tending to animals, baking bread, and collecting, mending, and wearing centuries-old clothing.

For detailed biography, see Jeanette Chandler Knazek, “Tasha Tudor,” Tashatudorandfamily.com.

Blue green silk taffeta floral brocade belted dress with a banded collar that is flanked by gathered fabric and teal silk chain fringe, long sleeves with puff caps and fitted lowers trimmed with fringe, attached and belted waist line over a full gathered and pleated two-tier skirt with scalloped and fringed top tier, and center front button closure.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Accession No.: 1998-236, What Clothes Reveal

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 17"
Chest: 34.5"
Waist: 27"
Hips: 46"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 53"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 29"

Deaccessioned by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Proceeds to Benefit the Acquisition Fund

Condition:

The overall condition is very good structurally with the following:
Losses: There is a small hole on the front left shirt top tier near the front left side seam.
Soiling/Spots: There is some soiling under each arm that is noticeable through to the outer fabric. There are a few 4" lightened spots on the bottom tier of the skirt, just under the top tier in the front.
Repairs/Alterations: The collar is made of a different fabric which suggests it may have been replaced in the past. The front bust darts and back princess seams have been let out and the sleeves appear to have been pieced together, though inconclusive if done at time of construction or after. The attached fabric belt appears to have been altered/repaired at the boxed end. The bottom tier of the skirt appears to have been either drastically altered or remade.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Icons of Style: Summer Fashion & Accessories

Silk Taffeta Dress with Fringe, 1867

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup