Object of the Week

In honor of the newly launched V & A collections search I thought I'd begin by featuring one of the museum's dresses. Clothes are among the most intimate types of objects. They touch our skin, shield our bodies, and journey along with us through the trials in our daily lives. Old clothes provide a visceral link to the individuals who wore them. They preserve the stains and scents of use. Sometimes a garment even becomes a sculptural ghost when it retains the shape of the form that once filled it. The undeniably personal nature of clothing often leads to the survival of specific stories associated with the object. This dress is no exception.

Image from V&A website

The collections catalog describes the fascinating story behind the creation of the dress:

The dress was made and worn by the wife of Sir Hamo Thornycroft (1850-1926). He was a sculptor and designed it for her. They were both interested in the dress reform movement and conceived the dress in accordance with the movement's principles so it did not restrict the waist and arms.

It fits a natural, uncorsetted figure and is cut fairly full, with smocking at the back and front. The sleeves are elbow-length puffs, smocked and gathered, to reflect historical styles. The skirts consist of an overskirt, draped with tapes and gathered up, and an underskirt, mounted on a white cotton lining and tied back.

The sewing is not professional and the dress has been altered. The Liberty's material is a thin, probably Indian, washing silk of a type that seldom survives.