Terms and Conditions
The artist, title and date of the work must be listed anywhere the image is reproduced:
England
Doll's dress (c. 1865)
silk, linen, paper, metal
53.0 cm (centre back) 15.7 cm (waist, flat)
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Lady Nicholson and her daughter, 1951
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Where possible, the image must be reproduced in full (no cropping or over-printing). If you wish to use a detail of the work, a full reproduction of the work must also be reproduced elsewhere in the publication.
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About this work
During the conservation assessment of this Victorian doll’s dress, it was noted that damage had revealed two small sections of paper containing text (one handwritten, one printed), indicating the existence of paper templates beneath the silk. Intrigued by this evidence, which suggested the use of a traditional quilting method called paper piecing, conservators investigated further to see if it was possible to ‘read’ these fragments. Using a combination of transmitted light and infra-red photographic processes, a number of eerie words and a date became visible.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
England
Inscription
none
Accession Number
1054-D4
Department
International Fashion and Textiles
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest
Physical description
A short sleeve dress with bell shaped skirt, of black silk and multi-coloured patchwork diamonds with emdroidery, lace and piping. Finished with a stiff patchwork diamond sash. Highlight sections of patchwork have been embroidered with floral sprigs.