On our upcoming trip to Bath, we’ll be spending a few days in London and heading up the list of places we’ll be visiting is the Victoria & Albert Museum (aka the V&A). The V&A has an incredible fashion collection to include items from the 19th Century and it’s been one of our main go-to websites for online research. Now we’re going to have an opportunity to actually see some of their holdings in person (at least the ones that are not in storage). Here’s one dress that we’re looking forward to viewing in person:

Day Dress, c. 1870 – 1880; V&A Museum (CIRC.606-1962)

Rear View

According to the V&A website, the date is circa 1870 – 1880 although we would argue that it’s more like the late 1870s/1880s- the Mid-Bustle Era- the princess line combined with the nearly non-existent train would suggest that. 🙂 The princess line creates a large-scale “canvas” of sorts for displaying dramatic decorative effects, in this case rows of ruched silk. Framing it is a floral silk jacquard in a floral pattern. Also, the hem has two layers of pleated silk to matched the ruching material above.

Of course, as with all on-line research, it’s often hard to completely see the dress details and often there are subtle elements that are overlooked. However, it’s gratifying to know that we’ll be able to view this in person and hopefully the details will make a stronger impression. We’re definitely looking forward to visiting the V&A! 🙂

As we get closer to our departure for the United Kingdom, the pace of planning has increased and we’re building up our list of places to see and visit. Naturally, since we’re going to be spending time in Bath, we’re going to take advantage of the local sites and especially the Fashion Museum Bath. Naturally, we’re focused on the Mid to Late 19th Century but we’re open to everything. Here are a few examples from the 1870s:

Day Dress, 1874; Fashion Museum Bath

Evening Dress, c. 1871; Fashion Museum Bath

Evening Dress, c. 1876; Fashion Museum Bath

Unfortunately, not much information was available online but luck for us, we’ll hopefully be able to study these in person (assuming that they’re on open display). We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.