SMOCKING, DRESS

A softly flowing 1960s dress of fine muslin, hand embroidered, possibly made in India from the Collection of the donor’s mother, Joy Holman, a Life Member of the Guild.

Smocking on shoulders, waistband and sleeves. Floral embroidery down the front and back in Autumn tones.

Opening at front neck with plaited cotton thread and tassels at ends. Metal press studs at wrist.

The word "smock" means a "shift or chemise" from the Anglo-Saxon of the 9th and 10th centuries.

Originally a plain shirt type garment without any fullness or gathers with a round neck, long sleeves.

English and Welsh smocks were made of coarse, wool, cotton or linen, natural coloured, blue or sometimes a mauve red. Blue was known as a poor man’s colour in England.

Gathering occurred because peasants and workmen, shepherds and waggoners, engaged in work of a strenuous nature, required more freedom. Pleating (probably by eye) became evident by mid 17th century. Simple embroidery was used until about 1750. By about 1802, smocks were beautiful and elaborately embroidered.