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. 

Bodice, Shortgown

Object/Artifact

Entirely hand stitched printed cotton shortgown. Design is brown ground with white evergreen-tree-like reserves filled with an arrow shape black on one side and red on the other. Blue threads in selvage. Stitched mostly with what appears to be unbleached linen thread or white linen. Rectangular form, one piece for body with tubular sleeves attached selvage-to-selvage. Little gores in side hip. Appled casing inside for heavy plied cotton drawstring; back is strip of discharge indigo print; front is checked cotton. Narrow PW linen tape drawstring through round neckline casing; bit of blue/white stripe added to reinforce stress at back neck; tucks and mends also. Under arms were fitted with pieced strips to enlarge circumference. Neatly fitted.

G2003.188

Bruce and Susan Greene Costume Collection

1800 - 1810

shortgown

shirt

hand stitched

cotton

printed cotton

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