{"product_id":"governess-dress-england-ca-1850","title":"Antique Victorian Governess Dress, England, ca. 1850","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003erare antique governess dress\u003c\/strong\u003e, dating to around \u003cstrong\u003e1850\u003c\/strong\u003e, offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural world of \u003cstrong\u003e19th‑century women’s workwear\u003c\/strong\u003e. Originally, the education of young children or older daughters was entrusted to governesses in \u003cstrong\u003earistocratic households\u003c\/strong\u003e. From the second half of the 18th century onward, the profession also became common among the \u003cstrong\u003eBritish middle class\u003c\/strong\u003e. For educated women without financial support from a father, husband, or brother, working as a governess was one of the few socially acceptable ways to earn a living for more than two centuries. By the mid‑19th century, many women in Great Britain depended on this occupation for their livelihood. This dress belongs to that historical context.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eantique dress\u003c\/strong\u003e is made from \u003cstrong\u003ebrown, finely striped silk fabric\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving it a refined yet modest appearance suitable for a governess’s role. A \u003cstrong\u003elace insert\u003c\/strong\u003e decorates the bust area, adding a subtle feminine touch. The \u003cstrong\u003ethree‑quarter‑length tiered sleeves\u003c\/strong\u003e, finished with \u003cstrong\u003ecream‑coloured silk fringing\u003c\/strong\u003e, reflect the fashion of the period while maintaining practicality. The \u003cstrong\u003epleated skirt\u003c\/strong\u003e, trimmed with a \u003cstrong\u003ebrown velvet ribbon\u003c\/strong\u003e, enhances the structured silhouette typical of the 1850s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe back of the one‑piece dress fastens with \u003cstrong\u003ehooks and eyelets\u003c\/strong\u003e, a common closure method of the era. The dress is in \u003cstrong\u003egood to very good condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, with three small signs of wear on the bodice, several minor signs of wear on the skirt, and one repaired buttonhole. The lace insert was likely added at a later date. The dressmaker’s dummy used for photography is slightly too large for the garment. Jewellery shown in images is not included.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA historically significant and beautifully preserved example of \u003cstrong\u003eVictorian women’s clothing\u003c\/strong\u003e, this dress offers rare insight into the life and appearance of a \u003cstrong\u003e19th‑century governess\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is an exceptional piece for collectors of \u003cstrong\u003eantique fashion\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003esocial history\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003emuseum‑quality garments\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWaist: ~ 70 cm\u003cbr\u003eChest: ~ 90 cm\u003cbr\u003eLength: ~ 135 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ANTIQUE GOWN","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55352677171587,"sku":"","price":660.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/1897\/6899\/files\/antique-dress-1850.jpg?v=1744954431","url":"https:\/\/www.antique-gown.com\/products\/governess-dress-england-ca-1850","provider":"ANTIQUE GOWN","version":"1.0","type":"link"}