Costume, Dress - Wedding Robe à l'Anglaise of Elizabeth Henderson Van de Water
1750s (Date manufactured/created)
Learn more about this dress in our historic fashion newsletter, Costume in Detail: https://www.madisonhistory.org/historic-fashion-newsletter/
The wedding dress of Elizabeth Henderson Van de Water is made in the robe à l'anglaise style. This dress features a fitted back shaped to a long point, center front closure, and open skirt, consistent with other gowns of the era. The dress is sparing in decoration, which is also typical of this style.
The dress is made of cream silk, woven in a plaid pattern. It is lined with plain woven beige cotton.
The bodice fastens at center front, leading into a tabbed hem over the open-fronted skirt. Two darts shape the front. Elbow-length sleeves cut up over the inner elbow to allow ease of movement, and strategic pleats lend shape. The bodice is fully lined.
The skirt is pleated tightly to the bodice. The hem is faced at a depth fluctuating between 1 and 2 inches. The skirt panels are cut selvedge to selvedge.
Over the right breast, the gown’s lining features the inscription: "Wedding dress of Elizabeth Henderson Van de Water married 1753."
Waist: 26"