Summary

Black floor-length floral machine lace dress with black taffeta slip. Probably includes semi-synthetic materials - the slip may be rayon ('artificial silk'), made commercially in America from 1910 from regenerated cellulose fibre.

Probably worn by Minnie Anderson. Mary 'Minnie' Lloyd Anderson was one of five children of renowned architect Lloyd Tayler (1830-1900) and Sarah Toller. She married James Caldwell Anderson; they had a son and three daughters. The family lived at 'Mynda', 5 Molesworth Street, Kew, designed by Lloyd Tayler. She died in 1951, aged 91.

Betty (and her mother Minnie) had several items of black clothing in this period, which could suggest mourning clothing. Her father and brother had both died in 1915 (their deaths were not related to World War I). Although she was actively involved in World War I, working for the Red Cross, it is not known if she lost others to whom she was close during the War.

Physical Description

Black floor length V-necked floral machine lace dress. Sleeveless. Gathered on shoulders, Basque style bodice. Full gored skirt of 16 panels. Dress closes at side seam with press studs and hook/eye. Belt loops on both sides suggests belt (missing?). With black taffeta slip with gored skirt. Shoe string straps. Slip bodice has net edging. Possibly includes synthetic materials.

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