Here is our first episode of Curator's Costume, and what better way to start than with this stunning 18th Century Court Dress.
More Information about the dress:
Sack-back dress in mauve and lilac woven silk brocade, with double-flounce lace sleeves and embroidered floral motifs in silver metallic thread, ribbon flowers and coloured silk trims.
Known as the ‘robe á la Française’ due to its French origins, this style of dress had a pleated length of material incorporated into the dress back from the neckline to the hemline, forming a flowing, voluminous shape called a ‘sack-back.’ This design feature, worn with a large hooped skirt, utilised many yards of fabric and was perfect for showcasing the intricate floral brocades and serpentine embroideries typical of the Rococo period. Representing an extreme ideal of artificial beauty, the exaggerated silhouette with a tightly fitted bodice and wide skirt expanded by panniers remained court dress until the French Revolution.
During conservation work undertaken in 2009 it was revealed that the dress had been altered, probably in the 19th century. There was evidence of silk facings and sleeve ruffles added to the bodice, and metal hooks and eyes of a later period. The side skirts had been altered, changing the original line of the dress. It is not uncommon for 18th century dresses surviving in museum collections to show signs of 19th century adaptation, often for use as fancy dress. This dress was donated to the Museum by the sister-in-law of illustrator E.H Shephard, and was once part of his collection of artist’s props. After careful consideration, the later 19th century additions were removed in an attempt to restore the 1760s appearance of the dress.
This dress, along with many others can be seen on display at Worthing Museum.
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