Rogers Series 13: Antique textiles – fourteen baby gowns
Series 13. A white baby gown featuring Ayrshire needlework.
Ayrshire needlework, high-quality needlepoint lace inspired by French needlework, became popular in Scotland by the 1830s. This series contains 14 baby gowns with decorative Ayrshire embroidery. The pieces are mostly from the 19th century, except for a couple pieces that are dated c. 1900 and c. 1920. Most of these gowns were hand-embroidered in pieces and then hand-sewn together, like all garments were until the appearance of the sewing machine in the late 19th century, although a few of the later pieces were put together by machine. These baby gowns were reflective of the then-current fashion trends while also being useful clothing items 鈥� the gowns for both baby boys and girls were even long enough to be turned under to keep the wearer warm. The items in this collection vary slightly in size but show a wide array of styles and embroidered designs. They are elegant and highly decorated, many with a technique of whitework needlework called broderie anglaise. There is one gown of Indian origin (with European design and Indian style), while the rest are from Scotland. Many of the families who owned baby gowns kept them to be future family heirlooms, intending for younger generations to wear the gowns of their parents and grandparents.