English tight back gown

This gown is constructed from a golden yellow damask which features an all-over pattern of poppy heads and foliage. The gown has been made in the English or 'tight-back' style (as opposed to the French 'sack-back style), and is open at the front. The bodice meets at the centre front, with a squared-off point, and is simply decorated with cream gimp around the neckline, and lined with bleached linen.  The sleeves are elbow-length. The skirt comprises five panels of fabric, each of which is 495mm in width. The hem is lined with a band of yellow linen tape as are the pocket slits.

The gown would have originally been worn with a matching petticoat. The petticoat and fichu shown in the photograph, were made for display purposes.