1870's Victorian Dolly Varden Polonaise Dress
This bright and beautiful cotton polonaise dress is made in the Dolly Varden style, of leaf printed cotton and would have been worn by a young Harriet Augusta Richardson of Billerica, MA. Harriet was born in 1862 and graduated from Howe High School in 1876.
The Dolly Varden style came into fashion in 1872. Named for a Charles Dickens character from Barnaby Rudge, a historical novel set in 1780. For a wonderful history of the Dolly Varden craze please read the Zipzipinkspot blog.
This dress is made of printed cotton with a peach background and sprigs of leaves in burgundy that are outlined with yellow and gold. The bodice is fitted with the polonaise panels falling from the front neckline, over the hips then being drawn up in the back. It is a marvelous work of tailoring. These side panels are drawn up in a larger bustle in the back that is tied underneath creating an amazing draped bustled back. The skirt itself is fairly straight and plain but for the pleated ruffle at the hemline. The stand up collar and sleeves are edged with a pleated removeable ruffle. The ruffle on the left sleeve has ripped and had been basted in place.
Overall the condition is excellent with no stains or odors. There is a small break in the lining fabric of the bodice that is hidden by the front drape. It also appears that darts were taken out on the front of the bodice at the waistline, also covered by the front drape and does not effect the silhouette.
Included with the dress is a copy of a photograph of Harriet Augusta Richardson taken later in her life. Please also see Harriet's 1882 Wedding Dress and her 1876 Graduation Dress.
