Gallery Title
Gallery Title
dress
Accession Number NWHCM : 1947.123.1
Description
Open robe in grosgrain brocaded silk, stiff ivory silk ground, large and small flower sprigs brocaded in coloured silks, pale pink, rose pink and brown flowers and buds, green leaves, stems and metal thread flowers, bodice and skirt cut separately, low square neck with drawstring, bodice closes centre front, elbow sleeves with tucks for shaping, Fourreau back with deep point, skirt tightly pleated onto bodice and sides, trained, one tape inside for looping, made of 1750's Spitafields silk, about 1775
Read Moredress
This gown is made of 1750s Spitafields silk, although the garment was created in about 1775. The silk industry in Spitalfields began after Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685, enabling the persecution of French Protestants (Huegenots), many of whom fled to England. Many skilled weavers from Lyons and Tours settled in Spitalfields and the surrounding London districts, passing on their expertise to local residents. They produced huge quantities of luxurious silks, velvets, brocades and satins, which previously had only been manufactured to such a high quality in France.