Black silk moiré dress, about 1910
Scope and Contents
The series contains many textiles likely owned by Alice McManus Clark and other members of her family, which include day dresses, evening gowns, stockings, furs, outerwear, and many undergarments and petticoats, dating from about 1900-1950, with the bulk of them from about 1900-1920. The majority of these textiles are in excellent condition and made of fine fabrics with elaborate decorations of lace, embroidery, beading, netting, and trim. Most are made for a woman of petite stature and some still include designer labels. The pre-1918 dresses in particular are for daytime and evening social events requiring formal and fashionable attire, suggesting their ownership by Alice Clark.
Some of post-1918 textiles were likely owned by other members of the McManus family, including Alice's sister, Margaret McManus, and her niece, Ethyl McManus. These items include many women's undergarments and a 1920s dress with a drop waist and tassel details.
Dates
- Creation: about 1910
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Consulting textile material requires the hands-on assistance of library staff; please contact the Clark Library (clark@humnet.ucla.edu) to make a research appointment before requesting to view textiles.
Extent
From the Collection: 43 boxes
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Physical Description
HANDLE WITH CAUTION: rusting straight pins inside garment. Two layers of skirts with multiple layers of sheers on bodice with long sleeves, beading, piping, and decorative buttons.
Repository Details
Part of the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library Repository