c. 1890s Red Velvet Gown with Bow Bustle

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This dress was worn by Sarah Fleming Sharpe (1852-1935) of Chambersburg, PA. Sarah was an alumni of the Vassar College class of 1876 which, at the time, was an all-girls school. She married Joshua W. Sharpe, and the couple moved into a Queen Anne-style house that is now the home of the Wilson College President in Chambersburg, PA. Our museum also holds Sarah’s wedding dress as part of our permanent collection. The dress was donated by family member Mary McCreath Godley in 2005. Mary and her husband, Frederick A. Godley lived in New Canaan for many years with their four children.

Based on our research using the museum’s collection of primary sources from the period, it is possible to date the ensemble to c. 1880. The slim skirt with large bow at the back hints at the oncoming fashion trends as they changed from the narrow silhouettes of the 1870s into the voluminous, draping bustles of the following decade. The burgundy two-piece dress is made of deep rich velvet and silk. The beads on the front of the tightly fitted bodice are reproductions that were added at some point in this gown’s life after the wearer had passed. The original beads were most likely similar glass baubles, cut to mimic a gemstone.
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I love your videos, I just wish they were longer and slower so I could have a closer look. Keep them coming

angelaross
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The red dress is gorgeous but so is yours

annethomson
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It's amazing that these dresses were just worn everyday like we now would wear our jeans ! Charlotte you have the best job in the world!😍

andreafry
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I’m obsessed….. how do I get a job like yours? These videos are amazing. There’s something about seeing antique clothes that is fascinating to me. Do you have men’s clothes as well? Also, I’d love for them to be a bit longer. I could hear you talk about the history and construction all day

gwland
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If only I could visit and see these dresses for real but I'm over in the UK .BUT ...I've just heard that there is an exhibition over here this year at Kensington Palace. It's called
'Crown To Couture ' and is on from 5th April to 29th October 2023 !! I definitely plan to go
as it looks excellent and you get to see the wonderful Kensington Palace as well .

andreafry
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Love your videos, would like really close ups, too. Thank you for posting.

junkjournalsvideos
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That’s super cool! I used to live down near Chambersburg and had a friend that went to Wilson! I’ve definitely been on that campus a few times.

elizabethbare
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I think the buttons would have been jet.

suzettehenderson
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I noticed you are not wearing gloves when working with the dresses. Is that not necessary? Thank you. Love the videos.

mariaelenateahan
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I have an idea for getting material appropriate buttons on your dress. Find your local hobby glass shops and hang an advertisement for LAMPWORKERS. That's the term for the torch work that make glass beads and other glass what nots. You may be able to find a hobbyist that would love to meet this challenge! Shoot me some love if this works for ya.

LambentLark
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Oh this is my favorite dress so far that you have shown. I think I might have dreamed of this dress 💖. My favorite history so far is Pennsylvania history in the late 1800s.

JA
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Beautiful dress. People were so skinny/tiny back then.

princessmarlena