Also they need to be sent to a textile restorer as they need a expert to do the hand sewing, I've been hand sewing for years and id bulk at repairing these dress.
What a treasure trove but with it comes the challenge and responsibility of restoring and maintaining them. I’m sure you’ll meet it head on. I look forward to the end result. It would be great for visitors to appreciate them.
Oh Julie, you are so lucky to be able to see and handle those beautiful dresses!! And material from the 17th century!! Wow!! I would love to be in England and see your display. And see all those dresses!!!
@@amandalazarus5741 They would be so excited to see these dresses and to be able to take measurements, look at the seam work and get the answers they have needed for the pleating on the sleaves and the pinning of the tops. The dresses will still have the pin marks to count how many pins were used.
Probably keep the curtains drawn while exposed - including for any exhibit - and wear cotton gloves to minimize transfer of body oils. ...lovely heritage
@annettestewart This can be the case with some textiles, but those embroidered with metals definitely need gloves. And in every archive I've worked in uses gloves to handle textiles. Books and paper are a different story - those aren't handled with gloves- unless the cover is a textile! So much more to learn other than holding them by the shoulders with mittens on.
The incredible embroidery work is a perfect example of what humans are capable of doing without technology! If only we can put the cell phones down, get back to our roots, and start creating again. Amazing
What makes those garments even more incredible (as if their age isn't enough!) is that all of them were hand-made. The court gown especially, represents literally thousands of hours of meticulous work, by very skilled craftspeople. Whomever they were, they were incredibly gifted!
Yup, I build historically accurate costumes for customers using original methods, techniques, materials, and instructions. It takes me 110 hours to build a linen set of stays with double bamboo reeds (I cheat and machine sew the boning channels only, and the long seams on the robes), and about 140 hours to build a simple robe a l'anglaise with simple inner and outer petticoats with some kilting on the robings on the front panel of the robe. The pleating is the really hard part to get the fit, especially fitting over custom paniers which take even more unique pleating, 18th c is way easier to fit though than 19th c because everything is tied or laced and very adjustable. They were very smart then.
These need to be carefully preserved and stored and handled. They are priceless. I can't believe they are just sitting there in an old trunk somewhere. Also, please wear gloves when handling them. Maybe you should contact the Victoria and Albert Museum and have them appraised. Could you sell them and use the money for renovations? They are part of history. A museum could preserve them for generations in ideal conditions and the public could view them.
As a fashion historian, this is an exciting find! The white dress with the bodice that ends at the waist was remade in probably the late 1860s from 18th century fabric. And the white sacque back gown, the skirt (petticoat) goes underneath. The pleats go to the back and have a lovely flowing cut with the skirt fullness. But I’m sure when you have them conserved they’ll be able to tell you those things! I hope you’re able to display them, and someday I’m able to see them!
I think if I were at Mapperton, I'd want to peer into every cupboard, every drawer, every chest, behind every painting, knocking every wall panel looking for somewhere that sounds hollow and might hold a lost treasure!
@@pheart2381 Right? Some 17th or 18th-century person was like, "Let's put these here for now, I don't have time to unpack" and forgot about them. It would be a snapshot of a specific day. How cool would that be??!!
As one who has spent hours upon hours making American Civil War time apparel I am in awe at the beauty of these gowns. What an amazing, priceless treasure.
Oh my goodness. What a treasure! So glad the school is going to help with restoration. I hope you're able to display them and have them photographed in the manor. Wow! Bravo mom for taking such good care of them. Wow! Absolutely glorious! Just amazing! What beautiful gowns.
UA-cam has a number of truly expert historical seamstresses (the PC term is sewster 😂) who must be thrilled at this. They love to get into things and analyze the seaming and fastenings and such. I love their channels!! It’s so wonderful to have all the free education and vicarious experiences!
As an American fascinated (and dare I say obsessed) with British history, what an incredible find! I love your home and I love how you are so willing to share it with us! ♡
There are a lot of Americans who love the UK and its history. A surprising number. It really is our Grandmother Country and we love her quite naturally. I wonder if the Brits are also surprised by what UA-cam, social media, news access, VPNs, etc. has revealed about the numbers of Americans who adore them. (I don’t think they are as charmed by us in return, though. 🫣🥰)
Some of us do love America lol, I love bumping into American tourists in Ironbridge ( Shropshire Uk ) and chatting to them about their travels, America is vast and full of such incredible landscapes and diverse peoples, which i love and find equally fascinating ❤@@drummerlovesbookworm9738
It’s so sad to say, but so true. When I was in England some people were so incredibly rude to us. The information booth in London wouldn’t help us. He was so nasty. And we knew it was because we were American. Now I know how Megan feels. Having said that, there were just as many kind & helpful people. It just always hurts, when people are mean. Someday, we hope to go back and quite possibly visit Mapperton. ❤️
As Luke said he'd never seen any of these dresses & didn't even know of their existence, it's always just 'been there'. Now that Julie has rediscovered them, can't wait to see it all fluffed & restored.
Beautiful fabrics and designs and embroidery. It may be worthwhile to have V&A conservators view the dresses! They may be able to assist with storage and display and conserving.
I think I’d cry if I found a trunk full of 18th & 19th century gowns. The embroidery is exquisite and hopefully can be preserved. I think I saw some silver bullion in some of the garments. They must have shined beautifully when they were new. Cannot wait to see what you do with them!
@@KeiPalace I can understand they are heavy, and at least she thought about acidfree paper. But what about wearing gloves, supporting the garments...not putting them on the ground (where people walk on) when I see conservators handling historic fabric compared to this, I think they would cringe too. But I understand she is not a specialist, so I get it.
Most of these people ( I mean nobility, gentry etc) cause they were raised in this way and are familiar with period surroundings and items are not so impressed about them and can be careless. For them are just old ancestral clothes and not museum artifacts...
@@lilmamacpa3062 I was thinking exactly the same! She doesn't seem to realize how fragile and precious those treasures are. OMG, if I think at how carefully, even reverentially experts handle similar items in the museums, I just feel bad. Both of them handled the dresses with no grace or respect, the old lady pulling them out from the trunk, the younger lady throwing them on the bed... Things like that should be donated to the Victoria &Albert, so at least they will keep them properly and display them in the right manner. By the way, she said they "discovered" the dresses in a closet, while it comes out that the old lady had put them there in the past and covered in paper, so she knew. That's not a discovery.
How beautiful. What a find. If you are looking for restoration funding , the Clothworkers Company give grants for historic textile restoration . They've worked with several museums & Royal palaces on their collections. English Heritage could also provide useful contacts for textile restoration & funding .
It’s just unimaginable how these 300 year old dresses were once every day wear and now are historical treasures of yesteryear. Oh the tales these dresses could tell if they could talk!
As a historian who's field is Constitutional Sovereign Monarchy laws and Constitutional Sovereign Government Laws, how they came about, why they came about, how they intertwine I am so proud of your incredible inspirational historical restorations, to be given the opportunity to see all of your hard work , to sight the genuine love and appreciation. Thank you
Please PLEASE! I beg of you…. Do not continue to store these in an old trunk folded up with a couple of pieces of tissue paper between them. These are pieces of costume history and should be handled and stored no less carefully than an 18th century painting or sculpture or any other piece of art. Please seek out professional advice on archival storage to ensure that future generation will have access to these treasures as well!
Yes, that's really the best you can do because there is lots to consider. Make sure they are experienced specifically with garments, and also ask them about displaying pieces, that's a chapter on its own. :) the trunk as an example means danger of snagging, acid and fabric weight, but there's more to know :) thanks for sharing this with us, so precious :)
Yes, the least they could do is store each garment in an acid free archival box. Search on UA-cam for costume historians on how to store historical garments. Watching these being dragged about and hung carelessly or left on the floor whilst being declared “very very fragile” makes my stomach lurch. I just couldn’t watch the rest of the video it was so horrifying to anyone who cares about historical garments. Shame thes people don’t.
Depends on the garment, fiber, age, other variables. Some old things must be handled with cotton gloves and some are untroubled by bare hands. Sotheby’s has catalogued and stored them, and likely advised about their proper handling.
@@spiritmatter1553i doubt think the OP was talking about gloves or no gloves. MiL was yanking them out of that trunk. When you watch videos of V&A handling garments this old, they usually have 2-3 people fully supporting the garments as they're moved. Plus the hubby kicking the bottom of the embroidered dress with his street shoes!! And the dresses just sitting on the dirty floor they've all been traipsing over in their street shoes!! Goodness gracious.
These are museum pieces. Wow if they could be in a museum exhibited, I would come and look at them. They are stunning. Would it not make sense to maybe donate them to a design school or a museum that would mend them and curate them and give them the care they deserve? Or pay for a conservator who can care for them and then put them on display in an airtight glass monter. Please, please, please make sure they get cared for properly. Thank you for sharing. Loved watching. x
I am so glad you are in touch with the Royal School of Needlework. There or V&A would be the place to find out how to store and/or display them properly. If the family is not going to sell or donate them, at least they can be catelogued by a Museum. They are a historical treasure. Just wonderful!
This has to be my very favorite episode. I wish I could see the stitching and lace up close. Thank you and your mother in law for sharing these priceless treasures with us.
Historic dress should be store in special archival boxes flat and padded out with archival tissue paper. As fabric ages it becomes so fragile that they crack apart. Also should be stored in a dark.
I believe the threading on the elaborate floral 18th century dress is silver, and it has tarnished. So all of the dull grey embroidery would have originally been a beautiful shining silver. Absolutely stunning. I hope you have great success with conservation/restoration efforts.
Julie, here's another thought. Have you thought to create a colored photo book of these beautiful gowns, along with pictures and descriptions and any history to share about the exhibit. You could then sell these beautiful books in your gift shop. Another idea would be to capture your renovation projects of Mapperton in a book as well. Just some food for thought.
Display all. I was fortunate enough to be in Paxton house at the Hume/ Home gathering and helped to unpack 18 century gowns worn at the families plantation in the Islands.
I am at a loss for words. What these dresses mean for a historical significance is overwhelming. They are gorgeous. My heart was beating so fast as they appeared from the trunk. ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉
The Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court Palace would be a great place to contact/email. They have a huge collection of clothes in storage. Absolutely beautiful
It might be cost prohibitive to get the dresses repaired, but what about having them recreated? There are a great number of Historical Dress Historians and Sewists on youtube who would probably LOVE to have a chance to examine and remake the dresses. Bernadette Banner, Abby Cox, Nicole Rudolph, Sewstine are some of the most talented. With Abby, Nicole and Sewstine specializing in 18th century. It could make for an interesting partnership and crossover event.
That's a great idea. I'd love to see some of the really passionate and knowledgeable dress makers on YT get a chance to have a close up look. Of course they will have to be stored away eventually, but giving people who actually keep the techniques alive a chance for "hands on" is very worthwhile.
You could spend years on the embroidery alone as a single person, if you knew how to do it, if you could even find the materials now, again, cost prohibitive, I think the best bet is display horizontally (on tables under uv protection) due to the weight and delicacy of the fabrics, less expensive than display on a mannequin or even in a frame.
@@KeiPalaceyes; the gravitational pull of a weighty heavily embellished 18th Century gown would not do well hanging off a mannequin's shoulders. The weave of these priceless textiles would separate, imperceptivity to the eye but occur nonetheless. They should be laid flat in a deep box with poofy archival tissue cushioning between layers. Just the brutal manner in which they were yanked out of the trunk has already caused damage to the integrity of the delicate fabric. Lovely of madame for sharing the exquisit visuals with us, but a bit too aggressively done; understandably so and forgiven. It is only when one handles and attempts cleaning centuries old lace & textile does one see how easily destruction happens. With the greatest intentions, these precious items suffer damage. Thank you for this magnificent, breathtaking display.
Julie they are the most wonderful gowns Honiton lace museum is just down the road they do a lot conservation and i am sure they would give you Advice on cleaning and conserving the lace , also the Victoria and Albert has the most wonderful department for lace, embroidery,and conserving textiles Their expertise might be very helpful in the first place,as to the way forward. Your Mother in law did exactly the best thing by using acid free tissue paper but the sleeves and bodice of the gowns need supporting as well with acid free tissue paper Hope this helps Pauline q
The highly brocaded apron as you called it, might actually be worn over the shoulders. I've seen that style in historical movies where they've worn capes like that as part of the dress.
I remember my excitement when I found hats, dresses and shoes from the late 1800's through the 1940s in a closet in my grandmothers house. The closet had never been opened the whole time I was alive which was 16 years at that point. She had passed and we were going through her stuff. Everything was so glamourous and beautiful. That was nothing compared to this. WOW I mean wow. Those are so exquisite.
Glad,I'm not the only one who felt a bit teary watching this video. I'm sure Julie must be feeling quite giddy with excitement about this project. I really hope that eventually they might all be displayed at Mapperton.
The handbag around the 7min mark is actually a pocket. You’d wear it like a belt under your outer garments but above your petticoat and it was a pouch for anything you needed to carry around.
I know you didn't know this, but if you find any more antique textiles, please don't hold them up by the shoulders like you were doing. Those are so fragile and literally need to be picked up like you would pick up a newborn baby to support the weight. The V&A has many videos of them showing exant garments, and you want to handle any garments, curtains, etc, the same way that the curators do. Make sure you aren't wearing jewelry or watches before you handle those things, too. Such treasures !!
Exactly this. They were taken out of the chests in a distressingly cavalier manner. They are damaging them - incorrect handling, no gloves, exposure to light...
So exciting!!! I especially love the print dress in what looks to be colors of peacock blue, cream, perhaps a gray-sage, and lawn green with the light and dark poppy (?) ruffles. The woman who wore it was clearly confident and just a bit sassy, don’t you think?! That said, the solid creamy-white gown’s stunning combination of simplicity and complexity takes my breath away. Oh, to see them in person!!! Just, wow.
the white dress is a robe a la francaise. please close the drapes against the light and get some boxes. also if get Prior Attire- Isabel , Bernadette Banner , and Abby Cox to let them take a look at them ! It would be good for exposure for all of them .
What a marvelous discovery! I hope so much that you will be able to take them to London, have them cleaned and restored, to use for display! The museum should have some experts to give you great references for repair and restoration! and they will probably be very excited at your discovery too!
I love those dresses of antiquity. They are in excellent condition. I have seen a vintage dress displays and will forever be impressed by the craftsmanship. What a treat to see those on display.
Unfortunately, the Bath Costume Museum had to close temporarily because they are moving locations! They plan to reopen in the future once the move is completed but I think they may still be looking for a location or land to build on.
I visited the Fashion Museum in Bath in 1987 when I came to England with my sister & great aunt & spent a couple of delightful hours drooling over the dresses etc there. Being an avid book reader of history novels it was so incredible to see the dresses on display & also to see how tiny most women were back in the early centuries. I spent heaps on buying all the postcards & came home to Australia & put them into an album to drool over from time to time. I would have loved to live back in some of those periods to wear the beautiful garments & have my hair all done up in ringlets & curls. It was probably one of the highlights of my visit to England that I really treasure. I have two large albums of photos of my trip which consist of over 400 photos plus postcards of all the places we visited on our whirlwind three week visit!! So many beautiful memories & yes, I stayed in some old houses - one with a thatched roof from the 1700 hundreds & a farmhouse from the 1500 hundreds plus a Cornish house with low ceilings & doorways & being 5 ft 6inches I was too tall!!🤣🤣🤣
Fashion Historians everywhere would (will) be drooling over this find! I suspect the "purse" would be tied under the skirt as a pocket. It might well be carried too depending on the year. Someone back in time wore this finery & packed it away when they not wearing them but couldn't bare to get rid of them. Much like me with my old favorite clothes I can no longer wear. It would be very bad for anyone to try them on! Tempting as it may be. I would consider the expense of mannequins to display them all well worth the cost! Someone qualified could help with the wrinkles & you have access to them Julie. They are going to be so excited to see these too, you'll all be like girls shopping for prom, how fun!
@@MappertonLive If you need funding The Clothworkers Company give grant's for historic textile conservation. They have worked with several museums & royal palaces. I'm sure English Heritage could also give you useful contacts for other organisations for grants & funding too.
Beautiful!! It would be great if you could get all of the garments repaired and restored but I realize it would be almost impossible. So much history, and I bet the stories behind these dresses are fascinating!
Museum pieces. Some of these dresses need to be seen by the masses in humidity and lighting controlled cases. Amazing fabrics. Can’t wait to hear what the fabric historians have to say 🥰
A little taken aback that they didn't at least wear gloves to unpack these fabrics! As they were taking them out of the trunk, willy-nilly, my heart was in my throat! I would have been wearing gloves and a mask, so as not to contaminate the fabric. Absolutely breathtaking.
I really wanted to see these dresses, but I cringed every time the lady grabbed at another piece! These garments are old and should be handled gently. I couldn't watch her any longer.😢
OMG!!!!So exciting!!! And the furnishings, architecture and art work of the home are eye candy enough! Thank you for sharing. Can't wait for follow ups on the actual exhibits. Cheers!
Julie , I love how much you have embraced your life here in UK, your husband must be so proud of you and everything you are doing for the families heritage
Julie you should be handling these with white gloves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Extraordinary! I keep watching you with an eye on the exquisite ceiling in the room, unfathomable!
I do believe, the most beautiful fabrics I have ever seen, such detailed, luxurious hand stitching, the richest, most gorgeous colors! Nothing short of mesmerizing!! I wish we could see them assembled in a display!
I am from Coastal North Carolina. I am so fascinated by the history of British country estates' I am thrilled to see these dresses! Oh what a wonderful treasure! Julie, I truly enjoy your videos. Mapperton and all it's history is so interesting to me! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve been falling over backwards, they’re just stunning!!!😍, if you needed any quick local advice there is the fashion museum in Blandford Forum, I used to know the late Betty Penny MBE whom founded it, was a friend and one of her girls as she used to say, to think I used to wear dresses and others of this age, and my 1857 wedding dress, now all in that museum.
A fabulous find but those dresses must be handled with care (white gloves and no weight or handling by the seams or they might tear up). You will need expert textile conservators to restore them, store them properly and prepare them for display. UV Light can damage delicate fabric and colours. Keep them in the dark to protect them.
Julie, you are a treasure to your family. An American girl came along who is passionate about preserving the history of this family, your family now. Brilliant, just Brilliant.
That older woman is the OG when the other woman said I have my work cut out for me the simple yes is like welcome to the game!! I just saw this channel for the first time today I subbed! Quality content
You guys have such a glorious heritage, and it brings me so much joy to see you all preserving it. I have a lot of British colonial ancestry in America and a family tree filled with many interesting people. Including the Stanton family who produced President Abraham Lincoln's secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who won women the right to vote. There were so many historical families in my ancestry, but unfortunately, due to medical issues, I couldn't produce children. Unfortunately, I am the last of my line. I can't tell you Luke & Julie how much I appreciate people like you preserving our heritage. It means a lot to me. I am very grateful for the work that you do and the heart you put into it.
The most amazing treasures that you are finding are just so stunning!! The stories those dresses could tell! It is so exciting too see what people actually wore centuries ago!!
How you really know that mummy loves you too.. when she shares the secret treasures.. she trusts you completely.. new member just amazed by this treasure ❤
Julie, , these dresses need to be packed much better to preserve then. I have an MA public history and had an internship at the Truman presidential library and museum. I am happy to zoom with you on how to take better care of them.
The peachy orange that you wondered if it was Indian is a banyan, which is a gentleman's at home robe worn over a shirt and breeches, with a smoking or night cap.
Please PLEASE get those dresses to a real historical garment conservator. Historical textiles are incredibly fragile, and rare. Even putting them on a mannequin can break down the fibers and damage the dresses irreparably. Also the "apron" is more likely a shoulder cape. You indeed have a treasure, but one that needs very special care so it does not literally fall apart.
Where you said that’s a seam fine to repair. It looks like that may be the gap to access the pocket. This would be intentional if it is, so not something to be sewn shut. So amazing to have that much history at hand.
QUESTION? Julie, what dress will you add to the chest for posterity? Fabulous!! So lovely to see your mother in law. Thank her for us. 😮❤❤ blessings & hugs from Ohio
Absolutely jaw dropping!!!! What incredible pieces of Sandwich history! I'm thrilled to know that the Royal School of Needlework will take part in the conservation and restoration of these garments and the Coronation robes.
Those antique gowns are exquisite works of art! The embroidery alone is staggering in its intricacy and riot of colours. I’m thrilled for you that they have come out of hiding and can now receive care and attention. You and your husband were like kids on Christmas morning - so fun and genuinely delighted. I’m pretty sure that 17th Century women wore stays under their gowns. Corsets came later. Best wishes from Canada!
Or just the fashion history buffs. I cringed so much :D This is a wonderful treasure, but obv she doesn't know much about them. Old fabric must not be exposed to light like that. Quick, find a professionnal who will help you restoring and putting thos in display. They belong in a museum/display/exhibit
Visit foreo.se/qti3 for 30% off UFO 3 plus an additional 10% discount for the first 50 that use the coupon code AMERICANV10
Where is available ? Shipping etc.,?
QUESTION? Julie, what dress will you add to the chest for posterity? Fabulous!!😮❤ blessings & hugs from Ohio
They're VERY expensive
Oh how fun!!!!!!!
These need to be conserved as soon as possible.
These beautiful garments will need individual textile archival storage boxes to minimise creasing. Whar a treasure trove.
Just what I was thinking. That trunk isn’t the safest storage place.
@@Sujowi Plus I want the ladies to wear gloves!
Also they need to be sent to a textile restorer as they need a expert to do the hand sewing, I've been hand sewing for years and id bulk at repairing these dress.
What a historic treasure!
What a treasure trove but with it comes the challenge and responsibility of restoring and maintaining them. I’m sure you’ll meet it head on. I look forward to the end result. It would be great for visitors to appreciate them.
Julie, I do believe you’re the best thing that ever happened to Mapperton.
I believe so too 😊😊
I completely agree. I love this channel so much.
The very best
I totally agree!!
Oh Julie, you are so lucky to be able to see and handle those beautiful dresses!! And material from the 17th century!! Wow!! I would love to be in England and see your display. And see all those dresses!!!
You should reach out to Abby Cox (based in Indiana) or Bernadette Banner (based in London) to do a collaboration about the history of these gowns!!!
I came to the comments to suggest this very thing!
Also came to make this comment! @abbycox and @bernadettebanner are fascinating historians!
Me too - was thinking Bernadette Banner.
@@amandalazarus5741 They would be so excited to see these dresses and to be able to take measurements, look at the seam work and get the answers they have needed for the pleating on the sleaves and the pinning of the tops. The dresses will still have the pin marks to count how many pins were used.
Me too! Also handle with acid free gloves without exposure to sunlight.
Probably keep the curtains drawn while exposed - including for any exhibit - and wear cotton gloves to minimize transfer of body oils. ...lovely heritage
They no longer use cotton gloves, some say freshly washed hands are recommended so no transfer of material can cause degradation of original fabric
Freshly washed hands, with pure soap (no moisturizers, etc.) is the best.🙂
@annettestewart This can be the case with some textiles, but those embroidered with metals definitely need gloves. And in every archive I've worked in uses gloves to handle textiles. Books and paper are a different story - those aren't handled with gloves- unless the cover is a textile! So much more to learn other than holding them by the shoulders with mittens on.
@@annettestewart And who is they?
@@Anne-gs7tr why don't u Google it
When the dresses were taken out of the chest, it felt like the manor came to life and the ladies of Mapperton came for a visit.
The incredible embroidery work is a perfect example of what humans are capable of doing without technology! If only we can put the cell phones down, get back to our roots, and start creating again. Amazing
What makes those garments even more incredible (as if their age isn't enough!) is that all of them were hand-made. The court gown especially, represents literally thousands of hours of meticulous work, by very skilled craftspeople. Whomever they were, they were incredibly gifted!
Yup, I build historically accurate costumes for customers using original methods, techniques, materials, and instructions. It takes me 110 hours to build a linen set of stays with double bamboo reeds (I cheat and machine sew the boning channels only, and the long seams on the robes), and about 140 hours to build a simple robe a l'anglaise with simple inner and outer petticoats with some kilting on the robings on the front panel of the robe. The pleating is the really hard part to get the fit, especially fitting over custom paniers which take even more unique pleating, 18th c is way easier to fit though than 19th c because everything is tied or laced and very adjustable. They were very smart then.
@@suzisellers6213 Wow that's amazing! You sound incredibly skilled! Your sense of accomplishment when you're completed a piece must be huge. 😊
@@suzisellers6213 What a wonderful calling!
I was thinking the same. It would take days to embroider each of those lovely butterflies. 🙂
Amazing
These need to be carefully preserved and stored and handled. They are priceless. I can't believe they are just sitting there in an old trunk somewhere. Also, please wear gloves when handling them. Maybe you should contact the Victoria and Albert Museum and have them appraised. Could you sell them and use the money for renovations? They are part of history. A museum could preserve them for generations in ideal conditions and the public could view them.
As a fashion historian, this is an exciting find! The white dress with the bodice that ends at the waist was remade in probably the late 1860s from 18th century fabric. And the white sacque back gown, the skirt (petticoat) goes underneath. The pleats go to the back and have a lovely flowing cut with the skirt fullness. But I’m sure when you have them conserved they’ll be able to tell you those things! I hope you’re able to display them, and someday I’m able to see them!
I think if I were at Mapperton, I'd want to peer into every cupboard, every drawer, every chest, behind every painting, knocking every wall panel looking for somewhere that sounds hollow and might hold a lost treasure!
An old undiscovered priest hole full of dusty trunks...😮
@@pheart2381 Right? Some 17th or 18th-century person was like, "Let's put these here for now, I don't have time to unpack" and forgot about them. It would be a snapshot of a specific day. How cool would that be??!!
Thanks to all four of you for sharing this magical moment..if dresses could talk imagine the stories these ones would have!
❤❤❤❤
Caroline (sp) also worked to save these dresses, during her time of care, too. Now Julie can carry the care on. What a joy. 😊
As one who has spent hours upon hours making American Civil War time apparel I am in awe at the beauty of these gowns. What an amazing, priceless treasure.
Oh my goodness. What a treasure! So glad the school is going to help with restoration. I hope you're able to display them and have them photographed in the manor. Wow! Bravo mom for taking such good care of them. Wow! Absolutely glorious! Just amazing! What beautiful gowns.
UA-cam has a number of truly expert historical seamstresses (the PC term is sewster 😂) who must be thrilled at this. They love to get into things and analyze the seaming and fastenings and such. I love their channels!! It’s so wonderful to have all the free education and vicarious experiences!
As an American fascinated (and dare I say obsessed) with British history, what an incredible find! I love your home and I love how you are so willing to share it with us! ♡
There are a lot of Americans who love the UK and its history. A surprising number. It really is our Grandmother Country and we love her quite naturally.
I wonder if the Brits are also surprised by what UA-cam, social media, news access, VPNs, etc. has revealed about the numbers of Americans who adore them. (I don’t think they are as charmed by us in return, though. 🫣🥰)
@@drummerlovesbookworm9738It’s been my experience they don’t tend to think too highly of us. Sad, because a lot of Americans adore Britain.
Some of us do love America lol, I love bumping into American tourists in Ironbridge ( Shropshire Uk ) and chatting to them about their travels, America is vast and full of such incredible landscapes and diverse peoples, which i love and find equally fascinating ❤@@drummerlovesbookworm9738
Anglophiles, Unite!
❤ 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 💙
It’s so sad to say, but so true. When I was in England some people were so incredibly rude to us. The information booth in London wouldn’t help us. He was so nasty. And we knew it was because we were American. Now I know how Megan feels. Having said that, there were just as many kind & helpful people. It just always hurts, when people are mean. Someday, we hope to go back and quite possibly visit Mapperton. ❤️
As Luke said he'd never seen any of these dresses & didn't even know of their existence, it's always just 'been there'.
Now that Julie has rediscovered them, can't wait to see it all fluffed & restored.
We Americans are curious by nature. I know I would do nothing else with my time. Her finds just blow me away.
Beautiful fabrics and designs and embroidery.
It may be worthwhile to have V&A conservators view the dresses! They may be able to assist with storage and display and conserving.
Should have listened to whole video - off to RSN with you!
Or the Costume Institute in Bath.
They need to be put under uv safe glass as textiles are destroyed by light.
I think I’d cry if I found a trunk full of 18th & 19th century gowns. The embroidery is exquisite and hopefully can be preserved. I think I saw some silver bullion in some of the garments. They must have shined beautifully when they were new. Cannot wait to see what you do with them!
Mother in law was a bit rough with the garments, I cringedwhen I saw this. Some are 300 years old , delicate dresses. What a find. Wonderful!
I think she was as careful as you could be with lifting heavy old items with a trunk on your own ...
I don't see how else she could have done it,but they definitely need acid free boxes to lay flat.
@@KeiPalace I can understand they are heavy, and at least she thought about acidfree paper. But what about wearing gloves, supporting the garments...not putting them on the ground (where people walk on) when I see conservators handling historic fabric compared to this, I think they would cringe too. But I understand she is not a specialist, so I get it.
Me talking to my screen: careful, careful!!! 😮
Most of these people ( I mean nobility, gentry etc) cause they were raised in this way and are familiar with period surroundings and items are not so impressed about them and can be careless. For them are just old ancestral clothes and not museum artifacts...
I adore your mother in law, she so full of knowledge about all the nooks and crannies of the estate, but she also full of surprises.
Yes, but the careless way she manhandled the garments made me cringe! I hope that they are dealt with gently from now on to reduce any further damage!
@@lilmamacpa3062 I was thinking exactly the same! She doesn't seem to realize how fragile and precious those treasures are. OMG, if I think at how carefully, even reverentially experts handle similar items in the museums, I just feel bad. Both of them handled the dresses with no grace or respect, the old lady pulling them out from the trunk, the younger lady throwing them on the bed... Things like that should be donated to the Victoria &Albert, so at least they will keep them properly and display them in the right manner.
By the way, she said they "discovered" the dresses in a closet, while it comes out that the old lady had put them there in the past and covered in paper, so she knew. That's not a discovery.
Ohvmy goodness she did not throw them on the bed.
How beautiful. What a find. If you are looking for restoration funding , the Clothworkers Company give grants for historic textile restoration . They've worked with several museums & Royal palaces on their collections. English Heritage could also provide useful contacts for textile restoration & funding .
What a great idea and a helpful one as well!
It’s just unimaginable how these 300 year old dresses were once every day wear and now are historical treasures of yesteryear. Oh the tales these dresses could tell if they could talk!
So amazing!! I was a bit scared they might fall apart as they were pulled out of the trunk.
As a historian who's field is Constitutional Sovereign Monarchy laws and Constitutional Sovereign Government Laws, how they came about, why they came about, how they intertwine I am so proud of your incredible inspirational historical restorations, to be given the opportunity to see all of your hard work , to sight the genuine love and appreciation. Thank you
Please PLEASE! I beg of you…. Do not continue to store these in an old trunk folded up with a couple of pieces of tissue paper between them. These are pieces of costume history and should be handled and stored no less carefully than an 18th century painting or sculpture or any other piece of art. Please seek out professional advice on archival storage to ensure that future generation will have access to these treasures as well!
Yes, that's really the best you can do because there is lots to consider. Make sure they are experienced specifically with garments, and also ask them about displaying pieces, that's a chapter on its own. :) the trunk as an example means danger of snagging, acid and fabric weight, but there's more to know :) thanks for sharing this with us, so precious :)
The tissue must be acid free, too, until the gowns can be properly displayed.
I was thinking the same thing too! Like, wearing gloves when handling, and possibly in a sterilized room as well.
I’m really curious if you watched the video wherein she discusses having them conserved properly
Yes, the least they could do is store each garment in an acid free archival box. Search on UA-cam for costume historians on how to store historical garments. Watching these being dragged about and hung carelessly or left on the floor whilst being declared “very very fragile” makes my stomach lurch. I just couldn’t watch the rest of the video it was so horrifying to anyone who cares about historical garments. Shame thes people don’t.
What an incredible find! Your MIL was freaking me out the way she was hauling the dresses out. G'ah.
Depends on the garment, fiber, age, other variables. Some old things must be handled with cotton gloves and some are untroubled by bare hands. Sotheby’s has catalogued and stored them, and likely advised about their proper handling.
@@spiritmatter1553i doubt think the OP was talking about gloves or no gloves. MiL was yanking them out of that trunk. When you watch videos of V&A handling garments this old, they usually have 2-3 people fully supporting the garments as they're moved.
Plus the hubby kicking the bottom of the embroidered dress with his street shoes!! And the dresses just sitting on the dirty floor they've all been traipsing over in their street shoes!! Goodness gracious.
@@msandigail Exactly! How shameful.
These are museum pieces. Wow if they could be in a museum exhibited, I would come and look at them. They are stunning. Would it not make sense to maybe donate them to a design school or a museum that would mend them and curate them and give them the care they deserve? Or pay for a conservator who can care for them and then put them on display in an airtight glass monter. Please, please, please make sure they get cared for properly. Thank you for sharing. Loved watching. x
They should go to a museum. Gloves should have been worn by anyone touching the fabric. And, they need to stop touching the fabrics over and over.
They’re her family’s so she can do as she pleases with them however she likes. People like you just mad they’re not yours 🤣 it’s just a dress 🤷🏻♀️
@@cadencepasseno3650 OMG the ignorance xD
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if any of these lovely garments were worn in a portrait? So excited for you.
I am so glad you are in touch with the Royal School of Needlework. There or V&A would be the place to find out how to store and/or display them properly. If the family is not going to sell or donate them, at least they can be catelogued by a Museum. They are a historical treasure. Just wonderful!
This has to be my very favorite episode. I wish I could see the stitching and lace up close. Thank you and your mother in law for sharing these priceless treasures with us.
Yes please do some closeups!
These dresses are absolutely beautiful! The fabrics, the embroidery, the history, amazing!
Historic dress should be store in special archival boxes flat and padded out with archival tissue paper. As fabric ages it becomes so fragile that they crack apart. Also should be stored in a dark.
Have ordered - coming soon!
it’s truly amazing how people used to dress back then such beauty and class it’s definitely lost to time
I believe the threading on the elaborate floral 18th century dress is silver, and it has tarnished. So all of the dull grey embroidery would have originally been a beautiful shining silver. Absolutely stunning. I hope you have great success with conservation/restoration efforts.
Julie, here's another thought. Have you thought to create a colored photo book of these beautiful gowns, along with pictures and descriptions and any history to share about the exhibit. You could then sell these beautiful books in your gift shop. Another idea would be to capture your renovation projects of Mapperton in a book as well. Just some food for thought.
Display all. I was fortunate enough to be in Paxton house at the Hume/ Home gathering and helped to unpack 18 century gowns worn at the families plantation in the Islands.
A trove of incredibly beautiful family heirlooms. Thankful that you are stewarding & managing these national treasures!
I am at a loss for words. What these dresses mean for a historical significance is overwhelming. They are gorgeous. My heart was beating so fast as they appeared from the trunk. ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉
The Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court Palace would be a great place to contact/email. They have a huge collection of clothes in storage. Absolutely beautiful
I could hardly look at the clothes for trying to see the room you’re in. It’s beautiful. So rich and elegant. That room! And that ceiling! 😍❤️
I think those dresses are the best find so far. The family is so lucky to have you as a member.
I cannot believe the ceiling in the room!!! Unbelievably gorgeous!!!
It might be cost prohibitive to get the dresses repaired, but what about having them recreated? There are a great number of Historical Dress Historians and Sewists on youtube who would probably LOVE to have a chance to examine and remake the dresses. Bernadette Banner, Abby Cox, Nicole Rudolph, Sewstine are some of the most talented. With Abby, Nicole and Sewstine specializing in 18th century. It could make for an interesting partnership and crossover event.
That's a great idea.
I'd love to see some of the really passionate and knowledgeable dress makers on YT get a chance to have a close up look.
Of course they will have to be stored away eventually, but giving people who actually keep the techniques alive a chance for "hands on" is very worthwhile.
You could spend years on the embroidery alone as a single person, if you knew how to do it, if you could even find the materials now, again, cost prohibitive, I think the best bet is display horizontally (on tables under uv protection) due to the weight and delicacy of the fabrics, less expensive than display on a mannequin or even in a frame.
@@KeiPalaceyes; the gravitational pull of a weighty heavily embellished 18th Century gown would not do well hanging off a mannequin's shoulders. The weave of these priceless textiles would separate, imperceptivity to the eye but occur nonetheless. They should be laid flat in a deep box with poofy archival tissue cushioning between layers. Just the brutal manner in which they were yanked out of the trunk has already caused damage to the integrity of the delicate fabric.
Lovely of madame for sharing the exquisit visuals with us, but a bit too aggressively done; understandably so and forgiven.
It is only when one handles and attempts cleaning centuries old lace & textile does one see how easily destruction happens. With the greatest intentions, these precious items suffer damage.
Thank you for this magnificent, breathtaking display.
and nicole could make matching shoes!
@KeiPalace you could form a team to replicate how the original team would have worked. I agree too much for one person.
Julie they are the most wonderful gowns
Honiton lace museum is just down the road they do a lot conservation and i am sure they would give you
Advice on cleaning and conserving the lace , also the Victoria and Albert has the most wonderful department for lace, embroidery,and conserving textiles Their expertise might be very helpful in the first place,as to the way forward.
Your Mother in law did exactly the best thing by using acid free tissue paper but the sleeves and bodice of the gowns need supporting as well with acid free tissue paper
Hope this helps
Pauline q
The highly brocaded apron as you called it, might actually be worn over the shoulders. I've seen that style in historical movies where they've worn capes like that as part of the dress.
I remember my excitement when I found hats, dresses and shoes from the late 1800's through the 1940s in a closet in my grandmothers house. The closet had never been opened the whole time I was alive which was 16 years at that point. She had passed and we were going through her stuff. Everything was so glamourous and beautiful. That was nothing compared to this. WOW I mean wow. Those are so exquisite.
Seeing the beautiful dresses that still exist brought a tear to my eye! It’s so very humbling. Well done you!
Glad,I'm not the only one who felt a bit teary watching this video. I'm sure Julie must be feeling quite giddy with excitement about this project. I really hope that eventually they might all be displayed at Mapperton.
Your mother in law is hilarious! Such a character!
Made me want to cry. The Beauty!!!! I would expire on site if I lived there, much less find those treasures
The handbag around the 7min mark is actually a pocket. You’d wear it like a belt under your outer garments but above your petticoat and it was a pouch for anything you needed to carry around.
I know you didn't know this, but if you find any more antique textiles, please don't hold them up by the shoulders like you were doing. Those are so fragile and literally need to be picked up like you would pick up a newborn baby to support the weight. The V&A has many videos of them showing exant garments, and you want to handle any garments, curtains, etc, the same way that the curators do. Make sure you aren't wearing jewelry or watches before you handle those things, too. Such treasures !!
Absolutely!
Exactly this. They were taken out of the chests in a distressingly cavalier manner. They are damaging them - incorrect handling, no gloves, exposure to light...
So exciting!!! I especially love the print dress in what looks to be colors of peacock blue, cream, perhaps a gray-sage, and lawn green with the light and dark poppy (?) ruffles. The woman who wore it was clearly confident and just a bit sassy, don’t you think?! That said, the solid creamy-white gown’s stunning combination of simplicity and complexity takes my breath away. Oh, to see them in person!!! Just, wow.
The gowns are exquisite! What a fabulous find!
the white dress is a robe a la francaise. please close the drapes against the light and get some boxes. also if get Prior Attire- Isabel , Bernadette Banner , and Abby Cox to let them take a look at them ! It would be good for exposure for all of them .
What a marvelous discovery! I hope so much that you will be able to take them to London, have them cleaned and restored, to use for display! The museum should have some experts to give you great references for repair and restoration! and they will probably be very excited at your discovery too!
As someone that loves historical garments, I don’t think I’ve ever said wow so many times in one video. What treasures!
I love those dresses of antiquity. They are in excellent condition. I have seen a vintage dress displays and will forever be impressed by the craftsmanship. What a treat to see those on display.
You may want to pay a visit to the Fashion Museum in Bath, it's more of a history of dress, but also conservation
Unfortunately, the Bath Costume Museum had to close temporarily because they are moving locations! They plan to reopen in the future once the move is completed but I think they may still be looking for a location or land to build on.
I visited the Fashion Museum in Bath in 1987 when I came to England with my sister & great aunt & spent a couple of delightful hours drooling over the dresses etc there. Being an avid book reader of history novels it was so incredible to see the dresses on display & also to see how tiny most women were back in the early centuries. I spent heaps on buying all the postcards & came home to Australia & put them into an album to drool over from time to time. I would have loved to live back in some of those periods to wear the beautiful garments & have my hair all done up in ringlets & curls. It was probably one of the highlights of my visit to England that I really treasure. I have two large albums of photos of my trip which consist of over 400 photos plus postcards of all the places we visited on our whirlwind three week visit!! So many beautiful memories & yes, I stayed in some old houses - one with a thatched roof from the 1700 hundreds & a farmhouse from the 1500 hundreds plus a Cornish house with low ceilings & doorways & being 5 ft 6inches I was too tall!!🤣🤣🤣
@@e.urbach7780 gosh I really hope they do , I often work in Bath so it would be such a shame to loose it.
Fashion Historians everywhere would (will) be drooling over this find! I suspect the "purse" would be tied under the skirt as a pocket. It might well be carried too depending on the year. Someone back in time wore this finery & packed it away when they not wearing them but couldn't bare to get rid of them. Much like me with my old favorite clothes I can no longer wear. It would be very bad for anyone to try them on! Tempting as it may be. I would consider the expense of mannequins to display them all well worth the cost! Someone qualified could help with the wrinkles & you have access to them Julie. They are going to be so excited to see these too, you'll all be like girls shopping for prom, how fun!
It might be a gaming purse,for carrying cash to a card game,and a bottle of smelling salts if you lose.
Patreon special project for the restoration? What absolutely beautiful gowns!! It is just amazing.
Isnt Mapperton open to the paying public?
Working on it!
@@MappertonLive If you need funding The Clothworkers Company give grant's for historic textile conservation. They have worked with several museums & royal palaces. I'm sure English Heritage could also give you useful contacts for other organisations for grants & funding too.
Beautiful!! It would be great if you could get all of the garments repaired and restored but I realize it would be almost impossible. So much history, and I bet the stories behind these dresses are fascinating!
Museum pieces. Some of these dresses need to be seen by the masses in humidity and lighting controlled cases. Amazing fabrics. Can’t wait to hear what the fabric historians have to say 🥰
I think the beaded "apron" is a shawl that matches the skirt. I have seen that type of shawl in movies, opera scenes, set in late 1800's.
Those dresses are exquisite. I hope they are preserved for many futures to become. Your MIL did an excellent job putting them away how she did.
“Holy cow” is right! What a TREASURE! Thank you for letting us have a glimpse. Would L❤ve to see all of them restored and displayed properly/safely.
Our pleasure!
A little taken aback that they didn't at least wear gloves to unpack these fabrics! As they were taking them out of the trunk, willy-nilly, my heart was in my throat! I would have been wearing gloves and a mask, so as not to contaminate the fabric. Absolutely breathtaking.
The latest thought in conservation circles is that clean hands are better than gloves for handling fabric.
Gloves & I would remove shoes or shoe covers
Gloves would be more dangerous then bare hands. Gloves snag items and are often discolored from overuse.
I really wanted to see these dresses, but I cringed every time the lady grabbed at another piece! These garments are old and should be handled gently. I couldn't watch her any longer.😢
They can do what they want. They won’t damage the dresses. Give them more credit than that. She is being careful.
OMG!!!!So exciting!!! And the furnishings, architecture and art work of the home are eye candy enough! Thank you for sharing. Can't wait for follow ups on the actual exhibits. Cheers!
Julie is such a blessing to Mapperton and the preserve of its history.
The dresses are stunning. Love the exquisite embroidery.
Julie , I love how much you have embraced your life here in UK, your husband must be so proud of you and everything you are doing for the families heritage
Julie you should be handling these with white gloves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Extraordinary! I keep watching you with an eye on the exquisite ceiling in the room, unfathomable!
So Beautiful! The first piece looks like it should be displayed in that room! The colors match so well!
I do believe, the most beautiful fabrics I have ever seen, such detailed, luxurious hand stitching, the richest, most gorgeous colors! Nothing short of mesmerizing!! I wish we could see them assembled in a display!
I am from Coastal North Carolina. I am so fascinated by the history of British country estates' I am thrilled to see these dresses! Oh what a wonderful treasure! Julie, I truly enjoy your videos. Mapperton and all it's history is so interesting to me! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve been falling over backwards, they’re just stunning!!!😍, if you needed any quick local advice there is the fashion museum in Blandford Forum, I used to know the late Betty Penny MBE whom founded it, was a friend and one of her girls as she used to say, to think I used to wear dresses and others of this age, and my 1857 wedding dress, now all in that museum.
A fabulous find but those dresses must be handled with care (white gloves and no weight or handling by the seams or they might tear up). You will need expert textile conservators to restore them, store them properly and prepare them for display. UV Light can damage delicate fabric and colours. Keep them in the dark to protect them.
Julie, you are a treasure to your family. An American girl came along who is passionate about preserving the history of this family, your family now. Brilliant, just Brilliant.
Absolute treasure, what a find. So much history in your home.
That older woman is the OG when the other woman said I have my work cut out for me the simple yes is like welcome to the game!! I just saw this channel for the first time today I subbed! Quality content
What a treasure trove! So glad they were saved!
You guys have such a glorious heritage, and it brings me so much joy to see you all preserving it. I have a lot of British colonial ancestry in America and a family tree filled with many interesting people. Including the Stanton family who produced President Abraham Lincoln's secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who won women the right to vote. There were so many historical families in my ancestry, but unfortunately, due to medical issues, I couldn't produce children. Unfortunately, I am the last of my line. I can't tell you Luke & Julie how much I appreciate people like you preserving our heritage. It means a lot to me. I am very grateful for the work that you do and the heart you put into it.
The most amazing treasures that you are finding are just so stunning!! The stories those dresses could tell! It is so exciting too see what people actually wore centuries ago!!
How you really know that mummy loves you too.. when she shares the secret treasures.. she trusts you completely.. new member just amazed by this treasure ❤
Julie, , these dresses need to be packed much better to preserve then. I have an MA public history and had an internship at the Truman presidential library and museum. I am happy to zoom with you on how to take better care of them.
Also you need to be wearing gloves and treat with care.
UV damage particularly for silk is a merry real problem. Keep your drapes closed except when you need the light.
Those gowns are out of this world. So amazingly beautiful. Wish I could wear the floral embroidered one.
Those dresses are stunning. Love the history its just wonderfull.❤
The peachy orange that you wondered if it was Indian is a banyan, which is a gentleman's at home robe worn over a shirt and breeches, with a smoking or night cap.
You should try get them replicated there will be some sewists out there that would love to
All the hours of handiwork. The Unknown Sewers and Embroidery Artists, thank you
Shattered silk under the velvet overlay is very difficult to “ Apply Mahican “ best consult V&A . Beautiful but OMG FRAGILE
Julie! You must be in 7th Heaven with your love of vintage and antique clothing - so happy you’ve got this🤗
Please PLEASE get those dresses to a real historical garment conservator. Historical textiles are incredibly fragile, and rare. Even putting them on a mannequin can break down the fibers and damage the dresses irreparably. Also the "apron" is more likely a shoulder cape. You indeed have a treasure, but one that needs very special care so it does not literally fall apart.
Where you said that’s a seam fine to repair. It looks like that may be the gap to access the pocket. This would be intentional if it is, so not something to be sewn shut. So amazing to have that much history at hand.
My soul left my body when I saw those dresses on the floor 😳😳😳
Girl, you need to do a book with that beautiful dress on the cover!!! Absolutely gorgeous!! Stunning. ❤❤❤❤❤
QUESTION? Julie, what dress will you add to the chest for posterity? Fabulous!! So lovely to see your mother in law. Thank her for us.
😮❤❤ blessings & hugs from Ohio
Absolutely jaw dropping!!!! What incredible pieces of Sandwich history! I'm thrilled to know that the Royal School of Needlework will take part in the conservation and restoration of these garments and the Coronation robes.
Those antique gowns are exquisite works of art! The embroidery alone is staggering in its intricacy and riot of colours. I’m thrilled for you that they have come out of hiding and can now receive care and attention. You and your husband were like kids on Christmas morning - so fun and genuinely delighted. I’m pretty sure that 17th Century women wore stays under their gowns. Corsets came later. Best wishes from Canada!
Julie, I'm so glad your Mother in Law remembered all these dresses and has shown them to you ♥️
And historic textile preservationists are clutching their pearls watching this. 😳
Or just the fashion history buffs. I cringed so much :D This is a wonderful treasure, but obv she doesn't know much about them. Old fabric must not be exposed to light like that. Quick, find a professionnal who will help you restoring and putting thos in display. They belong in a museum/display/exhibit
You are a delightful person who is not pretentious, and devoted to preserving, sharing history. Breath of fresh air. Carry on.