Silk Taffeta Dress with Fringe, 1867

This dress comes from the Tasha Tudor Collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Tasha Tudor (nee 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 green silk taffeta floral brocade belted dress with a banded collar that is flanked by gathered fabric and teal silk chain fringe, long sleeves with puff caps and fitted lowers trimmed with fringe, attached and belted waist line over a full gathered and pleated two-tier skirt with scalloped and fringed top tier, and center front button closure.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Accession No.: 1998-236, What Clothes Reveal

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 17"
Chest: 34.5"
Waist: 27"
Hips: 46"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 53"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 29"
Deaccessioned by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Proceeds to Benefit the Acquisition Fund

Condition:The overall condition is very good structurally with the following: Losses: There is a small hole on the front left shirt top tier near the front left side seam. Soiling/Spots: There is some soiling under each arm that is noticeable through to the outer fabric. There are a few 4" lightened spots on the bottom tier of the skirt, just under the top tier in the front. Repairs/Alterations: The collar is made of a different fabric which suggests it may have been replaced in the past. The front bust darts and back princess seams have been let out and the sleeves appear to have been pieced together, though inconclusive if done at time of construction or after. The attached fabric belt appears to have been altered/repaired at the boxed end. The bottom tier of the skirt appears to have been either drastically altered or remade. 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 couturecr@hindmanauctions.com 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.