19th century court dress and crinoline with train and fan
The combination of court dress and 1860s crinoline makes for a splendid garment. Dresses worn to court were the most elaborate and expensive ensemble in a lady’s wardrobe. Although presentations at court took place during the day, the arms and shoulders were bare as in evening dress. In addition to a skirt worn over a very large crinoline, a train extending for several metres was an essential feature of court dress.
Early Victorian (or pre-Victorian) dress made in 1836-40
Soft colours and floral patterns are a distinctive feature of many 1830s day dresses. Here, pink, red and white flowers harmonise with the brown ground and green piping. The construction of the sleeves is also interesting as they are tightly gathered at the top and loose around the elbow. This accentuates the slope of the shoulder and the tightness of the wrist.
0:26
A rare 17th century lacquered box and dish
Very rare objects use this unusual lacquering technique, Barniz Brilliante - 5 examples are at the V&A Museum. The lacquer is chewed in the mouth like gum and made from the natural resin of a tree in the rainforests of the Andes. These beautiful objects were made between 1650 and 1750.
