Silk Taffeta Two-Piece Dress, 1878

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.

Brown with red and yellow windowpane pattern silk taffeta two-piece dress. The bodice is trimmed with light brown silk satin along the jewel neckline and scalloped waist hem, fitted sleeves are trimmed with piped tabs and large fabric covered buttons, and black glass faceted globe button closure on the center front. The skirt is full with a separate tie-waist panel at center back and embellished with piped bands of self fabric and covered buttons.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Accession No.: 1996-663, a & b

Approximate Measurements:
BODICE
Shoulders: 17.75"
Chest: 35"
Waist: 27"
Hips: 41"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 23.25"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 30"

SKIRT
Waist: 27"
Hips: 70"
Length (side waist band to hem): 47.5"

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

Condition:

The overall condition is very good structurally with the following:
Structural Issues: The skirt has several abraded spots mostly located around the upper hip area on folds.
Fading/Color Change: The interior linings of both pieces have darkened due to age though it doesn't appear there are worn soiled spots.
Repairs/Alterations: The bodice has been altered under each of the arms with gussets added to the sleeves, the sleeve hems appear to have been let out and possibly pieced together into their current form, and by the inconsistency in the stitching along the back princess seams. The skirt has noticeable alterations and repairs made to the waistband and center back skirt. The front hemline has been raised and hand tacked. The back left side of the skirt has a repair made using an adhesive heat patch.

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.

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Silk Taffeta Two-Piece Dress, 1878

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