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