Altered c. 1825 Sheer Gown

Woman’s Dress, Scottish, c. 1825, silk, PMA 1996-20-1

This c. 1825s sheer silk gown was heavily altered for theater or fancy dress in the early 20th century. The treatment sought to reverse the alterations, reestablish the original silhouette, and support the dress for display.

Condition Report and Proposal
Comparable Objects and Research
Treatment Report

  • Before Treatment- Overall Front

  • Before Treatment- Overall Back

  • Before Treatment- Open Back

  • Before Treatment (2014)- Lining Detail

  • During Treatment- Overall front

  • During Treatment- Overall Back

  • After Treatment- Overall Front

  • After Treatment- Overall Back

  • During Treatment- Altered waist seam without belt

  • During Treatment- proper right underarm loss

  • After Treatment- Proper right underarm

  • Before Treatment- detail of proper right shoulder gusset

  • After Treatment- Proper right shoulder gusset

  • During Treatment- adding a custom dyed waist tape

  • Dress on display in the galleries

  • Dress with linings taken out

  • Bodice lining and belt