Search Results

Mantua & petticoat (front), probably worn by Mary Holt, wife of 7th Earl of Haddington

< 1 of 1 > Back
Postcard of Mantua & petticoat (front), probably worn by Mary Holt, wife of 7th Earl of Haddington.
000-180-000-138-C
© National Museums Scotland

Mantua & petticoat (front), probably worn by Mary Holt, wife of 7th Earl of Haddington

A mantua was originally a lady's loose gown, worn at informal gatherings. This mantua is a formal, court example dating from around 1760. It was probably worn by Mary Holt, wife of the 7th Earl of Haddington and may have been worn at the wedding of King George III to Queen Charlotte in 1761. The picture shows the front of the mantua - the petticoat.

Made of blue and white French silk, the mantua has a very wide hooped skirt which displays to full advantage the large pattern of the fabric. The hoop would have been made of whalebone or supple wood.

Mantuas persisted as courtwear until 1820. Early mantuas were very unstructured which meant they were easy to make. The women who made them became known as 'mantua-makers' rather than the older term 'sempstresses'.


Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID: 000-180-000-138-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1977.241 A
Date: 1760 - 1765
Fabric: around 1761
Material: Mid blue and white silk, with white and blue silk lace
Dimensions: 830 mm CF x 24.00" WA
What: ICOM Number: F 1.1
Petticoat, woman's
Subject: European Costume : female costume : netherwear
Who:
Where: ENGLISH OR FRENCH
Event:
Description: Woman's petticoat of mid blue and white silk, trimmed with very narrow white and blue silk lace in a fan pattern: English or French, about 1760 - 1765
References:
  • Tarrant, Naomi. The Development of Costume. London & New York. NMS & Routledge, 1994, pp 66-71. 
Translations:
Related Records:
< 1 of 1 > Back
 
Powered by Scran