Striped Silk Taffeta Gown, 1880s

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 striped silk taffeta bustled gown with a piped mandarin collar atop a pleated bodice with hook and eye closures, long sleeves trimmed with flounced taffeta and lace, a columnar tie-back skirt draped with pleats, gathers, and bows with the tie-backs located in the interior which is lined with cotton crinoline. The back of the skirt has a large bow and the hemline has multiple rows ruffles.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Accession Number: 1998-240

Approximate Measurements:
DRESS
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 32"
Waist: 23.5"
Hips: 38"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 52.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 28.5"

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