Online Collections Database

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Historic Costume | Fine and Decorative Arts

Welcome to our Online Collections Database! Below you will find a searchable database showcasing images and information regarding tens of thousands of items in our online collection. Search using search terms, key words, object names, or names of historical figures to locate specific items, or, peruse at random to enjoy the breadth of collections available for view.

As we continue to digitize collections at GCV&M, more objects will populate this new virtual resource. Please continue to check back, and reach out with any questions!

Questions? Contact our Curatorial Department at (585) 294-8240 or email jjohnson@gcv.org. Interested in donating an object to the collections at GCV&M? Click here to learn more. 

Petticoat

Object/Artifact

Petticoat, entirely hand stitched, made of soft royal shot blue/beige twilled silk (sarsnet), lined with mulberry and ivory plaid silk lustring. Opens on a seam; smoother over the front. Pleated rather crudely onto a brown lining cambric band; the turned over portion has evidence along its edge of a previous point of attachment (i.e. it has been shortened about 2”). It also has 2 other stitch lines from periods when it was even shorter. No evidence that any of the other seams once were open (as in 18th c) or that they were reworked in any way. No fasteners. Hem bound with simply figured black grosgrain ribbon and turned up about 3/4”. Lower third of the skirt is quilted with large, well-defined plume pattern. Deeply and softly padded with wool batting. About 5 1/3 yard circumference. Almost 39” long presently, even length all around.

G2006.079

Bruce and Susan Greene Costume Collection

1825 - 1860

petticoat

silk

wool batting

hand stitched

pleated

altered

quilted

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