A late 18th Century Gown for Miss Christian Dalrymple Edinburgh 2020

As there are no known portraits of Miss Dalrymple, only a silhouette from 1830, the costume is based on research of Scottish Clothing in the late 18th Century and of Miss Dalrymple herself.

Miss Christian Dalrymple inherited the Newhailes House and estate in 1792. She remained unmarried until her death in 1838. It was quite unheard of at the time, to both remain unmarried, and be the heir to an estate. She was described as a socialite, entertaining guests several days a week. As the owner of Newhailes she managed several refurbishments including the Library roof.

This gown is a day dress she might have worn when taking tea with her friends, or puttering about her estate.
The costume feautures a shift, a pair of stays, a false rump, a ruffled cap, a lacy fichu, a Printed Cotton Italian gown which was very popular in the late 18th century, and a quilted silk petticoat for the cool weather.

Personal Project: Designed, Drafted, Cut, and Constructed.