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Ensemble
Maker
Inconnu / Unknown
Marks or LabelsNone
Date
1876?
Medium / Technique
Cotton velveteen, silk taffeta, China silk, cotton sateen, glazed cotton plain weave, cotton twill, cotton lace, buckram, boning, cotton twill tape, silver metal hook and bar, gold metal hardware, paper, fake pearls, glass seed beads, metal trim, metal wi
Dimensions.1) Bodice: 56.4 cm (length); bust: 66.8 cm (circumference); sleeve: 55.3 cm (length)
.2) Underskirt: 99.7 cm (length); waist: 66.2 cm (circumference)
.3) Overskirt: 159.8 cm (length); waist: 55.6 cm (circumference)
.4) Collar: 17.5 cm × 55.6 cm (lengt
ClassificationPersonal Objects - Clothing - Main Garments
Object NumberM2004.78.2.1-4
CollectionMcCord
CreditGift of Martha Courtwright
NotesA costume for many occasions
This dress was worn to at least four events. Linnie Stewart first wore it to the Earl of Dufferin’s ball in 1876, calling it “Court dress of the reign of Charles II.” She can then be seen in a composite photograph of an 1881 Ottawa skating carnival, with her skirt looped up, where she called her character “Lady of the 17th century.” In 1896, at the Historical Fancy Dress Ball, she wore it to portray the “Duchess of Suffolk.” Alterations visible in the bodice suggest it was worn at least once more.
This dress was worn to at least four events. Linnie Stewart first wore it to the Earl of Dufferin’s ball in 1876, calling it “Court dress of the reign of Charles II.” She can then be seen in a composite photograph of an 1881 Ottawa skating carnival, with her skirt looped up, where she called her character “Lady of the 17th century.” In 1896, at the Historical Fancy Dress Ball, she wore it to portray the “Duchess of Suffolk.” Alterations visible in the bodice suggest it was worn at least once more.
Status
On viewInformation about the objects in our collection is updated to reflect new research findings. If you have any information to share regarding this object, please email reference.mccord@mccord-stewart.ca.Information about rights and reproductions is available here.
Ensemble/Component
Online Collections | McCord Museum - Montreal Social History Museum
This project is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Azrieli Foundation and Canadian Heritage.