Sports and Leisure

This worsted dress in green and salmon pink was probably worn by a female member of the Royal British Bowmen archery society around 1820. The high waistline and decorative hem are typical of 1820s fashions, while the zig-zagged or vandyked sleeve puffs over a contrasting layer of green fabric echo the slashing techniques which enjoyed popularity during the early 17th century. The fashion plate below from The World of Fashion in 1830 shows a very similar outfit also in "forest" or "sherwood" green.

Archery was of course one of the very few sports in which middle class or aristocratic women could participate publicly, and society meetings, therefore, were often highly social events, not only involving the shooting match, but also featuring outdoor meals, and even dancing and singing. The historical and decorative elements incorporated into archery costume such as this, added to an already festive atmosphere.

Full item descriptions:

"archery dress" [1976.5]

Related Themes:

Archery
19th Century Women's Fashion