Image Not Available

Ball Gown

WearerWorn by Danielle R Uchitelle American, born 1954

Date1902-1904

Place CreatedParis, France

Country of UseEurope

MediumSilk warp, silver metallic weft, cut and uncut velvet brocade en broché, blonde lace and silver metallic loop trim

ClassificationsCostumes

DimensionsCostume Element center front length: 8 11/16 inches; center back length: 55 inches; hem circumference: 12 inches; waist measurement: 8 11/16 inches;

Credit LineGift of Miss Sarah Gardiner, 1934

Terms

Object number39.26A-B

DescriptionBackground
This gown was commissioned by Sarah Diodoti Gardiner to wear to New York City’s premier 1860 social extravaganza: the Prince of Wales Ball, held at the Academy of Music, at 14th Street and Irving Place, on October 12, 1860. It honored the visiting Albert, Prince of Wales, the oldest son of Queen Victoria. According to family tradition, the material was woven in Lyon for the Empress of Russia, with an additional piece was obtained by the Gardiner family, and the design of the address was attributed to the House of Worth. Recent technical analysis and identification of couture techniques has confirmed its previous family provenance.

Description
Bodice: Fitted, waist-length, deep point center front; off-the-shoulder, double ruffle; short, flared, double-tiered sleeves; metallic trim, ruffles and sleeves; lace-up closure.

Skirt: Bell shape, six double box pleats at waist; floor-length, double-tiered.

Garment structure
The textile was woven en disposition, specifically designed for this dress style. Although each dress section repeats the same floral motif; the width of the pattern widens from the bodice frills to the upper skirt. The boned bodice is backed with silk. An unadorned plain-weave cotton tape serves as a bodice waist anchor. Both skirt tiers are complete, without regard to fabric economy. The underskirt extends from the waist where both skirts are pleated into large box pleats. The gown is entirely hand-stitched.

On View

Not on view

Locations

(not entered) Canterbury Cathedral (11 The Precincts), Trinity Chapel, North Aisle, floor - near range 6
Photography The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery, Registration Storage