A very beautiful Victorian antique tea gown / house dress dating to the 1890s, but re made from an older dress ( possibly an 1850s / 1860s ballgown ? ) making this a very unique piece.The original bodice buttonholes are visible on the front, and inside the bodice is very mid 19th century . One piece, very petite ( were teenagers wearing tea gowns ? ) in gorgeous warp print silk - beige, with characteristically blurred roses and foliage in pinks, brown, greens, blues etc.. The bodice is fitted, with a single centre front bone, fastening in the back with hidden hooks. Straight piped waist, low square neck and lace flounces appleid diagonally from the waist, over the shoulders and round the back neck. Three quarter sleeves in brown velvet, full nineties leg o' mutton, with balloon shoulders tapering to fitted cuffs. The skirt is an ingenious bit of pattern cutting - fitted over the hips, A line from the front, the fabric at the back caught up and gathered, attached to the back neck , flowing to a rounded Watteau train. The hem is trimmed with a band of pale blue velvet and silk fringing, and there is a carrying loop and in seam pocket to the side.

CONDITION

Age related discolouration and marks throughout, some quite large. Loose stitching at the neck on one side. The train is partially loose where it attaches at the top right. The under arms are split, with silk missing, and the velvet discoloured to blue. Only one bone present, channels for more, possibly removed when the dress was re modelled.

Approx measurements - shoulder 11.5 bust 33.5 waist 23 front length 49