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Cynthia’s Antique & Vintage Linens
This exemplary Ayrshire embroidered Christening dress is exceptional and fine. It has a vee-shaped bodice with fairly long sleeves, an indication that it was probably re-worked at one time. The bodice has been added on to - the gowns, pre 1870ish had only caps for sleeves and the neckline was open - this one has had sleeves and upper bodice added (the area with the collar). Sometimes, familes did that to "update" the look as the gown was passed down. They all wanted to look "modern!" The superfine whitework Ayrshire embroidery is mind-boggling in its minute perfection. Ayrshire embroidery has cobweb fills inside small embroidered openings, in this case in the bodice as well as the skirt. The work and the design are breathtaking. This piece is a collector's item and has been deaccessioned from a New England museum where it had been stored in an acid-free museum box. The museum's catalog number is sewn inside. The "robe front" bottom has even more embroidery and fills. The waistband is 1.5x18", the bodice top is 4.75" high and the skirt is 39", making the overall length slightly longer than 45". Armpit seam to Armpit seam is 9". Excellent condition, it almost looks new. There are several small specks of untreatable rust and a few very tiny, minor holes. c.1850-80s. It has been freshly laundered and is being stored un-ironed in an acid-free museum box. (I will press it before I send it to you.) Stock 17633. $1250. Also included is a book called Ayrshire and Other Whitework by Margaret Swain.
Copyright 2008 Cynthia Cooper Contact: cynthia@antique-linens.com |
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