Gown, Baptismal
Object number2018.53.1
Possible OriginParis, France
MediumFabric; Lace; Plastic(?) or Wood(?)
Credit LineGift of Virginia Chess
DescriptionOff-white fabric christening gown. Fabric is diaphanous and discolored. Short bodice with round neckline. Bodice (front and back), sleeves, and bottom of skirt have white floral lace details and white floral embroidery. Five white fabric-covered buttons down back opening. Pleats around waist. Long, full skirt has white floral lace along the bottom.DimensionsHeight x Width (Width between shoulder seams): 38.625 x 7.5 in. (98.1 x 19.1 cm)Historical NotesThis christening gown was passed down through the descendants of Henrietta Thaw Slade and Lawrence Prescott Slade. According to the donor, Virginia Chess, this branch of the Thaw family spent much of each year in Paris, where they may have obtained this piece. It was likely originally purchased by Henrietta Thaw’s mother, Elma Elizabeth Dows Thaw (wife of Benjamin Thaw) and were used for the christening of each descending child, including the donor and her son. Benjamin Thaw, the son of William Thaw and brother of William Thaw, Jr., was a banker and philanthropist. His brother Harry Thaw notably shot Stanford White. In addition to Henrietta, Benjamin and Elma E. Dows Thaw’s other children included Stephen Dows Thaw, Benjamin Jr., and William Thaw II. Lt. Col. William Thaw (William II), was a WWI pilot who flew with the Lafayette Escadrille. The family lived at Morewood Place in Shadyside.
Previous owner
Benjamin Thaw Sr.
(1859 - 1934)
Previous owner
Virginia Chess
Related person
Henrietta Thaw Slade
Related person
Lawrence Prescott Slade
On View
Not on viewc. 1890
1911
1894
1911
c. 1948