Hannah P. Adams' embroidered dress, Belfast, ca. 1875

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Hannah P. Adams' embroidered dress, Belfast, ca. 1875

Purchase a reproduction of this item on VintageMaineImages.com.

This record was added to Maine Memory Network through the efforts of a student. More info about student projects.

Description

Between the mid-1870s and early1880s the bulky over skirt "polonaise" styling gave way to the unusually slim silhouette called "cuirasse," from the French word meaning close fitting, like armor.

Hannah P. Adams' (1855-1935) lightweight camel colored wool ensemble exemplifies the cuirasse style. The knee length tight jacket, called a "basque" fits closely over a flat front skirt, edged with a wide band of pleating. The back of the basque divides to accommodate a modest low draped bustle, the tails lined in red silk satin weave. The garment is trimmed throughout with colorful hand-embroidered floral sprays, and a deep chenille bobble fringe. The embroidery evokes daisies, berries, wheat, cat tails and poppies.

While Adams lived in Belfast, an interior label on the outfit reads “W.H. Bigalow 150 Warren Ave. Boston.” Said to be part of Ms. Adams' wedding trousseau, the fashion is indicative of between 1875 and 1881, slightly after her 1873 wedding date.

View/Add Comments


About This Item

  • Title: Hannah P. Adams' embroidered dress, Belfast, ca. 1875
  • Creation Date: circa 1880
  • Subject Date: circa 1880
  • Location: Belfast, Waldo County, ME
  • Media: wool, silk, cotton
  • Dimensions: 96.520 cm x 99.060 cm
  • Local Code: A86-198
  • Collection: Costume collection
  • Object Type: Physical Object

Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

People

Other Keywords


For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.

How to cite content on this site


Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.