Clothes for Work

Bedgowns were very simple items of clothing, cut in a flaring T-shape like kimonos, and often without any fastenings or belts as they were wrapped around the body and tied in place at the waist by an apron. Despite their name they were not worn in bed, but were short practical jackets worn primarily by country women. They were used for working in the home or outdoors, worn with sturdy woollen skirts, stays and often a shawl. This linen example has been block-printed with a pretty trailing flower and dot design in a single colour, indigo-blue, and it has been lined with a contrasting woven check.

This gown is reputed to have originated with the Alderney family, yeoman farmers from Cheshire, and it is in remarkably good condition, hardly worn apart from a few small darns. Printed linen, like cotton, could be repeat washed, and would remain fresh-looking and robust for years.

Full item descriptions:

"gown & bedgown" [1972.110]

Related Themes:

Bedgowns
Block Printing
18th Century Women's Fashion