18th Century
This exhibition features two ensembles from the eighteenth century: a man’s embroidered suit of silk satin from the 1770s and a woman’s robe à l’anglaise and quilted satin petticoat from the 1780s. Select an item below to take a look inside.
Robe à l’anglaise and quilted petticoat, 1770s
Dresses in the 18th century were often designed to showcase the textiles. This particular textile is brocaded which means that the colored threads that appear in the floral motifs do not extend the whole width of the fabric. Looking at the reverse of the textile is the easiest way to identify this technique. This handwoven … Continue reading Robe à l’anglaise and quilted petticoat, 1770s
Man’s embroidered silk satin suit, 1780s
This exquisite man’s suit shows a stark contrast between areas that would be seen and those that would be concealed. The coat is intricately embroidered particularly along the front opening; however, the interior is lined with a relatively coarse linen lining. While the coat is the most visible element of the suit, the waistcoat is … Continue reading Man’s embroidered silk satin suit, 1780s
Man’s linen shirt, late 18th century
Although very little of the man’s shirt would show, it is a wonder of fine workmanship. Shirts were the man’s basic undergarment and would have protected the outergarments from the body’s oils. While the outer silk garments would not have been washed, the linen shirt would have undergone many washings, so it had to be … Continue reading Man’s linen shirt, late 18th century
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