The India dress

The global economy is nothing new, although in the past it existed as an overt function of Empire. Thousands of Britons living all over the world kept the Empire running. This lower middle class wedding dress is an example of Britons abroad. It combines Indian embroidery with an English style.

Judging by the style, this dress was probably worn about 1885 – 1890.

The relatively plain silk satin bodice is fastened with pearl buttons and decorated with a line of lace. It sits over a beautifully embroidered layered bustle skirt.

The donor, Mrs Gladwin, said that the wearer of this wedding outfit was known to have lived in India. The quality and style of the rich embroidery on the skirt supports Mrs. Gladwin’s statement.

The skirt and lace are cotton and the embroidery is silk. The line of the lace on the overskirt curves up and follows through to the lace on the bodice. The materials and finishing of the outfit suggest it was probably worn by a woman in the lower middle class.

Britain ruled India as a part of the British Empire; it was the ‘jewel’ in Queen Victoria’s crown. India was very important to British trade; it was a supplier of raw cotton to Lancashire and a market for the finished cloth.

A substantial population of British people lived in India employed to administer the territory, as civil servants, and to serve in the army. Traders also spent time in the country.

Bolt label

These labels were stuck on bolts of cloth exported from the mills of Lancashire. The design was supposed to be eye-catching and they acted as a sort of trade mark or brand.