Dumbarton House

[jennylafleur]

Yesterday was lovely!

We went to Georgetown, to Dumbarton House for a costumed tour. Dumbarton House was built in 1803 and was the home of the first Register of the U.S. Treasury from 1804-1813. The house was really wonderful, full of interesting period furnishings and history. The real reason we where there though was to see a special exhibit of early 19th century clothing from the private collection of Mary Doering.

The clothing was amazing. I felt a little rushed at times during the tour and no pics were allowed but, as always, it was incredible to see extant garments in person. It's hard to choose a favorite but I think I was most inspired by a printed silk evening Spencer that fastened in back. Seriously cool! There are also a darling red and white striped child’s frock with ruffles at the sleeves, a men’s vest where the border of the fabric had been pieced so finely to create a decorative element and a pair of 2.5" long earrings cylinder earrings that looked surprisingly modern. Several things looked shockingly modern actually, I could imagine at least one of the printed cottons we saw being snarked at an event for being "not period". Funny how we get into a rut about what is and is not period. Also proof once again there is nothing new under the sun, especially in fashion.

After our tour we braved the chilly day for some pics in the garden then headed over to a local restaurant for tea and pastries. We chatted and giggled and talked costumes. It ended too soon (as these things always do) and we headed home. *sigh* I couldn't decide what the best part of the day was - that Mom dressed-up and came with me or I got to where my Mela hat again! :>

Thanks so much to Melissa and Marilee for organizing the day for us!! My pics can be found here: 2009.0228

Other pics of the day:
Elizabeth's pics

Comments

[isabelladangelo.livejournal.com]

Oh, I love the pictures you took! I'm glad your Mom got to come. Hmmm...maybe I can talk my Mom in to coming to Fort Frederick...

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Oh that would be fun! No way I'll talk my Mom into Fort Fred. She doesn't like dressing up in the 18th century. Stinker.

[chloeandrudy.livejournal.com]

Regency, my favorite era! You all look so pretty.

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I love the Regency!

[hohenstein.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a lot of fun. You're so lucky on the East coast having the older buildings to tour.

A.

[anielmom.livejournal.com]

You all look fabulous! Looks like a wonderful day. My favorite picture is the one in the parking garage feeding the meeter. Talk about old world meets new!

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

We were all struck but the incongruity of it too... hence the pics! :>

[hohenstein.livejournal.com]

Hi Jenny,

Thinking about Regency dress-I've got a photo of some cottons up on my journal in a friends only post. I'm happy to have advice on whether some will work for Regency, if you'd take a look at it, please?

A.

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Sure, I'll pop over there now.

[girliegirl32786.livejournal.com]

You both look lovely! I am green with envy. ;P

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks! *sigh* I love that dress. I don't know why but I do. :>

[sydneyflapper.livejournal.com]

Wonderful frocks - and each one such an individual character, like their wearers. You all look colourful and characterful. Loved the shoe shot - I'm going to have to do one like that next time I get the mob together with t-straps and mary janes!

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Yes, the shoe shot has become a tradition - we have to do it everytime we get together! I'd love to see one of t-straps and mary janes! :>

[spearfangus.livejournal.com]

That looks like so much fun! Your dress is lovely and you look beautiful!