NMS


 

Search Results

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

< 1 of 1 > Back
Mantua & petticoat (front), probably worn by Mary Holt, wife of 7th Earl of Haddington
Add to album

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 underlined text below.


< 1 of 1 > Back