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Wedding Dress

1809
Artist/maker unknown, American, Quaker Worn by Lydia Poultney (American (Philadelphia) 1788–1871)
This dress is associated with Philadelphia Quaker bride, Lydia Poultney, who married James B. Thompson in 1809. The wedding dress, while devoid of superfluous ornament, is made of an elegant silk and fashion conscious: a high waist and short puffed sleeves were a la mode in 1809. For the wedding ceremony at the meeting house, bonnets with veils and neckerchiefs would also have been worn.

Object Details

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