Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #105294
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Description
Family lore stated Mary Hammond Murdock wore this dress at the English court of George II, who reigned from 1727 - 1760. Mary Murdock (or Murdoch) immigrated to Philadelphia with her husband William around 1735. Portland resident Julia St. Felix was Murdoch's 3x great grand-daughter. St. Felix donated the dress to Maine Historical Society.
While the silk brocade fabric dates to 1750 - 1765, the dress construction dates to around 1775, in the reign of George III (r.1760-1820). This dress is an example of English court fashion from the time of the American Revolution, however, Mary Hammond Murdock died in 1770, further complicating the story. Family lore also noted Murdoch's unnamed sister was bridesmaid at Queen Charlotte and George III's wedding. Perhaps the dress' connection to George III's court stems from that relationship.
The dress is a robe á la francaise: an open robe with an exposed matching underskirt. The fabric design features a self-colored ground, and floral sprays in pale blue, yellow, green and pink. The back of the robe includes falling pleats that start at the neckline and extend to the bottom hem.
About This Item
- Title: Dress worn at the English court, ca. 1775
- Creation Date: circa 1775
- Subject Date: circa 1775
- Location: England
- Media: silk brocade
- Dimensions: 142.24 cm x 281.305 cm
- Local Code: 1482*c
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Clothing and dress
- Costume
- Dresses--18th century
- Evening gowns--18th century
- George III, King of Great Britain, 1738-1820
- Women's clothing--18th century
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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More to Consider
Item 105293
Madam de St. Felix ball dress, ca. 1820
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