Summary

Alternative Name(s): Ball Gown

Cream brocade evening dress owned and worn by Miss Annie Boyd, the donor's great-grandmother. Miss Boyd lived in East Melbourne (now the site of the Bethesda Hospital). The dress probably dates to the 1890s (based on style).

Physical Description

Cream brocade evening gown with tight fitted boned bodice. Bodice laced at back and finished with a bow detail. Short gathered sleeves. Full skirt dips and fans out at back. Brocade ruffle sewn inside hem. Possible bustle? Machine- sewn; hand-finished. Heavy gauge hooks to secure skirt and bodice. The dress is stained in multiple places, particularly the underarms. It has patches of blue discolouration on the lower skirt back.

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