Christening Gown thumbnail 1
Christening Gown thumbnail 2
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Not currently on display at the V&A

Christening Gown

1937 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The gown is made from a densely patterned floral lace with a net background, and has been constructed as simply as possible to show the fabric off to best advantage. The seaming has been kept to a minimum, and a separate undergown made rather than trying to line the garment.

This rather elaborate lace may have come from a bridal department or shop, but the principle of selling pre-hemmed fabric for dresmaking was well established by the 1930s, and many home dressmakers used such fabrics in the making of children's clothing.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Christening Gown
  • Christening Undergown
  • Christening Bonnet
Brief description
Christening gown, undergown and bonnet for a baby, lace and silk; England, 1937
Physical description
Set of Christening garments.
Credit line
Given by Mrs Gladys Murdoch
Object history
Given by Mrs Gladys Murdoch (RF 92/ 213). The garments were made by Mrs Murdoch for her daughter Elizabeth Marion Murdoch, who was born on June the 29th, 1937. Liz Murdoch was a member of V&A staff, working in the Education Department, and died unexpectedly in 1991.
Production
Made by the donor for her child
Summary
The gown is made from a densely patterned floral lace with a net background, and has been constructed as simply as possible to show the fabric off to best advantage. The seaming has been kept to a minimum, and a separate undergown made rather than trying to line the garment.

This rather elaborate lace may have come from a bridal department or shop, but the principle of selling pre-hemmed fabric for dresmaking was well established by the 1930s, and many home dressmakers used such fabrics in the making of children's clothing.
Collection
Accession number
MISC.711:1 to 3-1992

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Record createdDecember 4, 2008
Record URL
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