Silk Faille and Velvet 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 silk faille trimmed with brown velvet two-piece evening dress. The bodice has a banded collar that is flanked by brown velvet and embellished with a satin ribbon bow, long sleeves are cuffed with velvet and knife pleats, the hips are trimmed in velvet and a large satin ribbon bow at the center back waist, and a center front glass globe button closure. The full skirt is pleated into the waistband and trimmed with brown velvet bands and crocheted tasseled lace, a large front pocket, and left waist opening.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Accession No.: 1996-664, a & b

Approximate Measurements:
BODICE
Shoulders: 16.5"
Chest: 37"
Waist: 27.5"
Hips: 41"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 21"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 31.5"

SKIRT
Waist: 29.25"
Hips: 65"
Length (side waist band to hem): 52"

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