#FridayFrocks #SensationalSilks: A #Regency silk satin Spencer c.1818. Women’s Spencers developed from menswear. Generally worn as part of ‘Walking Dress’, Spencers added style, variety and a little warmth to an outfit.

#FridayFrocks #SensationalSilks: Evening gown, c.1818–24, made from semi-transparent silk gauze. A replica silk under-dress shimmers through the fabric. See it in our current #Regency fashion exhibition: ‘High Waists to Romantic Tastes’. On until 30.08.25.

#FridayFrocks – #SensationalSilks - a day dress, c.1845 – 1850. This one-piece day dress is made from shot silk, woven using pink horizontal (weft) threads and blue vertical (warp) threads. The result is something which was known as ‘changeable silk’.

#FridayFrocks #SensationalSilks An early 18th century brocade open robe. The silk is c.1734, but the dress was remodelled in the 1750s. It’s a good example of clever recycling as it is made up of three separate silks, each with a slightly different pattern. They blend to create a coherent whole.

#FridayFrocks #SensationalSilks A tea gown of silk satin, c.1895–97, by #LibertyOfLondon. A tea gown was worn when entertaining at home during the afternoon before dressing for dinner.

#FridayFrocks #SensationalSilks – A stunning ball gown by the House of #Worth, Winter 1897. The House of Worth was particularly famous for its beautiful silk designs, and this one is no exception.

#FridayFrocks #SensationalSilks – a gown of silk brocade with a trailing rose pattern c.1740s, but re-modelled in the 1770s and again for fancy dress in the 1880s.