Historic Rock Ford will host an 18th Century Historic Fashion Symposium consisting of three lectures, a self-guided tour of the General Hand Mansion with the opportunity to see Katharine Hand's dress, and a catered dinner by Gourmet Julie's Way (gluten-free and vegetarian options available). The lectures will be held in the Langmuir Education Room located on the first floor of the Rock Ford Barn.
Presentations are as follows:
Christina M. Sherry presents "Katharine Hand: Discovering a Person through Clothing." We have relatively few personal records of Katharine Hand. We have her husband's letters to her but not those she sent to him. We do not even know what she looked like. However, we are incredibly fortunate to have her gown and some of her jewelry to study today. These items give us the most direct connection to Katharine. This presentation will discuss her dress and jewelry in detail and what these pieces tell us about her.
Angela Burnley presents "From Cottage to Factory: The Evolution of Textiles for Fashion in the Last Quarter of the 18th Century." The period of 1770’s to the turn of the new century brought significant advancements in industrial innovation and labor methods that fundamentally transformed the European textile industry. These developments, combined with increased availability, occurred alongside rapid shifts in fashion trends. Utilizing primary sources, we will examine the changes & diversity of the textile offerings being imported to our newly formed United States of America.
Brooke Welborn presents "Cutting to the Figure: The Evolution of Mantua-Making in the Last Quarter of the 18th Century." By the 1770s, many mantua-makers produced women's fitted garments by cutting a bodice lining on their customers figure, which could then be used to inform the shape of the desired gown. In the last quarter of the 18th century, mantua-makers adjusted their cutting and constructing methods to meet the demands of new styles. Brooke Welborn will demonstrate the evolution of fashion from 1775-1800 and how it affected the cut and construction of women's clothing. This presentation includes a physical demonstration of the gowns as well as a selection of Burnley & Trowbridge items, including their newest reproduction prints and handkerchiefs, which will be available for purchase.
Additional information regarding the proposed schedule of events and biographies of the presenters may be found on our ticketing link.
$70 for non-members
$60 for Rock Ford Member