Silk Taffeta Two-Piece Dress Trimmed with Fringe, 1860s

This dress is 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.

Brown silk taffeta two-piece dress ensemble including a fitted bodice with stand collar, flared sleeves, trimmed with brown silk brocade ribbon and tassels, and center front covered button closure; paired with matching brown silk taffeta skirt that is gathered into the back waistband.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Accession No.: 2000-136, a & b

Approximate Measurements:
BODICE
Shoulders: 14.5"
Chest: 34"
Waist: 25"
Hips: 34.5"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 20.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 29"

SKIRT
Waist: 25"
Hips: 70"
Length (side waist band to hem): 43"

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

Condition:

The overall condition is very good with the following:
Structural Issues: The back waist band of the skirt has a worn hole in the middle of the facing.
Split/Separated Seams: The bottom of the left front skirt opening is pulling open with a small split.
Losses: There are small pinhead sized holes on the right side of the bodice at waist and on the right sleeve just above the trim on the hem. The skirt has some small holes on the front right side starting about calf level nearest the princess seam.
Soiling/Spots: The interior bodice lining has darkened with some minor soiling due to light wear and there is a darkened spot on the center back exterior collar. The lining of the skirt is moderately soiled, mostly around the waist and upper hip area.

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.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

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Silk Taffeta Two-Piece Dress Trimmed with Fringe, 1860s

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