Tartan Silk Taffeta Skirt - Sarah Thomas

DESCRIPTION

TitleTartan Silk Taffeta Skirt - Sarah ThomasObject TypeTextileClothingDate1838DescriptionSarah Thomas made this silk taffeta skirt on her voyage to Australia in 1838, aboard the 'City of Westminster'

The fabric is vibrant and colourful, and the condition of the skirt today, suggests the skirt was made for 'Sunday best' wear.

This skirt is part of a larger collection of objects that paint for us a picture of the life and character of Sarah Thomas.
CreatorSarah ThomasProvenance and SignifcanceSarah and William Thomas had three children by the time they migrated to Australia; William, John and Clorinda.

They arrived at Wollongong Harbour in 1838 on a steamer nicknamed Puffing Billy, and were immediately engaged by Henry Osborne of Marshall Mount. The Thomas’ occupied the gardener’s cottage.

William Thomas was employed as a carpenter and built the cedar staircase in Marshall Mount House. He also planted an English Oak on the farm, which still stands today. Sarah was engaged with house duties for the Osborne’s.

The family later moved to Log Bridge Farm at Yallah where their other seven children were born.

The Thomas family remained in Shellharbour and continued to prosper. John Thomas, who arrived with his parents in 1838, married Maria Haslam and lived at Shellharbour Village, owning a store and later a butchers business. John served briefly as an Alderman and was a member of the first Albion Park Show Committee. He was one of the founders of the Allowie Temperance Lodge, Church of England Shellharbour, where he served as Church Warden. His greatest work is considered to be his work with the Cooperative Shipping Company, assisting with its formation in 1856.

Another son, Henry (Harry) farmed at Clover Hill Macquarie Pass in 1894. He married Mary James, daughter of pioneers William and Elizabeth James of Dunmore, and most of their children were born at the farm. In 1912 they moved to St Ives at Dunmore, leaving their son Kenneth to carry on farm until the property was sold to Ben Turner in 1950.DonorParton, JoyceExternal LinkWomen's Evening Dress, Powerhouse Museum Collection

CHARACTERISTICS

MaterialPink, green and purple Silk taffeta and thread.

The skirt is made of a silk taffeta fabric in a tartan design and has not been printed but woven and is lined with unbleached calico.

The skirt was worn as a wide floor length full skirt, sitting on the natural waist which was the fashion in the 1830s in England.

It is a significant example of colonial dress in Australia during that time and as such has been listed in the MAAS Museum's Australian Dress Register.

The skirt is very small around the waist measuring a mere 55cm.

The skirt was made using thread frugally to minimise waste.

Typical of the style of dress at the time we believe there was a matching bodice worn with the skirt. Evidence of this can be seen through three rows of needle holes extending around the top of the skirt.
These rows extend in a straight horizontal line around the skirt but come together at a distinctive V-shape at the centre front. This tells us that that the bodice was V-shaped at the front, typical of the fashion.

The gathering at the centre back suggests that the skirt was designed to be taken in and out; perhaps a reflection of her changing shape through pregnancy. This is also confirmed by the three rows of needle holes around the skirt. This suggests that the bodice was sewn on to adapt to the body shape of the wearer.Dimensions146cm x 106 cm x 30cm

CLASSIFICATION

PrimaryCostumeSecondaryFemale

CONNECTIONS

CollectionObjectsThomas, William and Sarah Collection Last edited by: Will Chittick

FamilyThomasRelated Item1988.1.1 Last edited by: Annette Charlton

1988.1.1 - Parton, Joyce Last edited by: Annette Charlton

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Tartan Silk Taffeta Skirt - Sarah Thomas

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Tartan Silk Taffeta Skirt - Sarah Thomas