#0613 $950
Louise Hemingway wedding gown, c.1883
The superb wedding gown was worn by Louise Hemingway of Baltimore in the 1880s. What a treat for the collector to find a clean and unaltered Victorian gown so well preserved. Here is all the dignity and refinement of a grand wedding dress.
Made from cream-colored silk faille, the gown is finely embellished with a matching chiffon neckline insert, bands of crystal beads and faux pearls, and a wide bodice flounce of handmade Brussels lace. The exaggerated puffed sleeve caps and sweeping back train add drama to the design.
The gown has the original boned under bodice as well as original silk laces for the back. (To avoid stress on the fabric, I did not lace the gown for the photographs.)
The bodice also closes with concealed hooks under the lacing. The train is lined with heavy ecru satin, which provides the weight needed to make a dramatic sweep. I love the silk faille roses above the train (3rd & 4th pictures from bottom).
The label on the petersham reads "E.P. Carroll/411 Park Avenue/Baltimore, MD."
The condition is almost excellent and all original. The only problem is minor abrasion on the raised cords of the silk faille. There is no structural damage nor any stains.
It measures: 32" bust, 22" waist, approximately 36" hip, and 52" from shoulder to front hem.
