Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID # |
1960.007.006 |
Object Name |
Dress |
Title |
c. 1951 Agnes Macphail's Evening Dress |
Lexicon category |
3: Personal Artifacts |
Date |
1951 |
Artist |
Unidentified maker |
Made |
Unknown |
Place of Origin |
Unknown |
Description |
A long, all-black, heavy-weight silk evening dress. It has a voluminous skirt. The bodice has a 14 cm wide black velvet shoulder strap which extends diagonally across the bodice and continues vertically as a velvet panel down the length of the front of the dress. There are three tucks on opposite sides of the diagonal velvet piece, which help to shape the bodice. The back of the bodice has a similar construction as the front, but minus the tucks. There is a left side zipper, with a hook and eye at the top of it. There are two inside cloth tape loops for hanging the dress. |
Provenance |
This dress was worn by Agnes C. Macphail (of Grey County) when she was presented to Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, when they were guests at Ottawa in October, 1951. Princess Elizabeth later became Queen Elizabeth II. It is not known where she purchased the dress. Agnes C. Macphail (b. 1890-d. 1954) grew up in Proton Township. and Artemesia Township, in Grey County. In order to further her education, she had to board in Owen Sound, Ontario so that she could attend the Owen Sound Collegiate Institute [O.S.C.I.]. She did not complete her highschool degree there, due to a disagreement with Principal Murray, but finished in Stratford, Ontario. She then attended Stratford Normal School. She later became a teacher and then in her 30s, became a politician. She became Canada's first female Member of Parliament in 1921. |
Collection |
Textiles, 20th-c Clothing Collection, Women's |
Material |
Silk/Velvet/Thread/Metal/Dye |
Found |
Ceylon, Municipality of Grey Highlands, Grey County |
People |
Macphail, Agnes Reany, Gertha Macphail |
Subjects |
Royalty Politicians Receptions Clothing & dress |
Function |
This was a Presentation gown, worn by Miss Agnes C. Macphail on the occasion of her presentation to H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth (later known as Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Phillip in 1951, during their Royal visit to Canada that year. A formal evening gown was required for the event. |