In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Simple fine, white cotton petticoat used underneath an outer christening gown. The petticoat uses the same silhouette as the gown. The sleeveless bodice is held up by shoestring straps at the shoulder. Gathered fabric at the waist creates volume as an undergarment. Six bands of decorative horizontal pleating are used in the lowest section of the skirt as well as a scalloped hem.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown. Handmade featuring lace on the layered short sleeves, as well as at the neckline. The gown has a tie above the waist. The bodice is designed to form a number of horizontal and vertical panels, most prominently including tapered pleating at the front. The fabric comprising the skirt is gathered at the waist, allowing the full skirt to flare towards the hem. The lower part of the dress features a scalloped double hemline above which are four bands of folded fabric.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown featuring an elaborate hand-worked bodice. The bodice has diagonal bands of lace as well as sections of fabric that imitate the effect of a bolero. These, as well as the sleeves are also hand embroidered and bordered with tatted lace. The fabric is finely gathered below the waist. The lower part of the gown includes inserted bands of different kinds of lace. The longer sleeves might indicate that the gown was made for an older infant. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Very long, white cotton christening gown. The bodice is distinguished by an intricate panel of handmade lace that forms a semi-circle at the neck. On either side of the lace insert are folded lapels, each bordered with lace. The short sleeves are constructed of two overlapping pieces of fabric. Below the waist the fabric is pleated to allow for the large amount of fabric in the skirt to flare outwards. The extraordinary detail within the gown is extended to the lower section of the skirt where the maker has created five pleated bands, each comprising four layers. The hem also features a band of lace. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown. The bodice includes a number of pieces of lace, most notably a panel of broderie anglais at the centre of the bodice. Bands of lace are also used at the neck and on the sleeves. The skirt is gathered below the waist allowing the fabric to form folds.The lower section of the skirt five pleated bands and a hem also created from broderie anglais.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.A long, white cotton christening gown designed and made using a number of decorative elements. These include an embroidered lace v-shaped insert at the front of the bodice that extends below the waist. Bands and layers of lace are also used at the neck and on the double-panelled sleeves. A broad band of lace has been used to form the waist, below which the fabric of the skirt is very finely gathered. The front of the skirt includes thirty-two horizontal pleated bands. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.A handmade, sturdy white cotton christening gown. The bodice is made from a number of separate pieces of fabric. At the front there is a flat, pleated panel that extends well below the waist. The longer half-length sleeves are attached to the neckline rather than from a shoulder. Each sleeve is bordered with crocheted lace. Crocheting is also used as a decorative element on the front of the tie. The skirt is simply hemmed. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.A sturdy white cotton christening gown that confirms to a number of conventional design rules. These include pleating on the bodice and at the front of the skirt. The width of the pleats below the waist would indicate a later rather than earlier manufacture. Lace is used in a vertical band at centre front, on the neck and at the waist. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.The christening gown of Dione McIntyre, local architect and life member of the Kew Historical Society. The colour and fabrics used in the gown were recycled from Ilma Diamond's [her mother's sister] wedding dress, when she was christened in 1931. As the smallest of the christening gowns in the collection, this would indicate that she was baptised at a very early age. The fragile baptismal gown is made from a silk slip, above which is an outer layer of embroidered net separated by bands of chiffon. The lace at the hem is also scalloped.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life, mcintyre collection, dione mcintyre