Antique-Gown

 
Elegant evening dress, ca. 1900, made of dark blue velvet. Label in the waist band: Jay's * Regent Street * London. The dress is currently a one-piece - the top is sewn to the skirt. But that wasn't always the case. The top and skirt were worn separately. The top is decorated with jet bead appliqués and strands of pearls. Tulle rounds off the distinctive look. Fabric flower bouquet around the neckline. Hanging decorative elements. Strands of pearls around the shoulders appear to have been partially replaced. The skirt ends in a train. The waistband of the skirt has been altered. The skirt may have been "let out" a little along the seams. Subtle signs of wear. Otherwise in good to very good condition.

The dress comes with the original photograph of the wearer, which was taken at J. Weston & Son, Sloane St., London. We date the dress to the year 1900 and the label reads: "By Appointment to the Queen". The Queen is Queen Victoria, who died in 1901. The dress in the photo is worn by Emilie (Emily) Maud Jones (b. 1870 - d. 1930). She married Thomas Prichard, who was a farmer, solicitor and land agent. They lived at Llwydiarth Esgob, Llannerchymedd, Anglesey. They had one son and two daughters - Maud Elizabeth Prichard (later Bown) was the mother of the seller of the dress.

Chest: ~ 80 cm
Waist: ~ 60 cm
Front length: ~ 143 cm
Back length: ~ 190 cm