Ballgowns Collection

Flower in her Hair by David Wright
Lovely pin-up by David Wright depicting a slender woman in a strapless black evening dress at her dressing table fixing a flower into her swept up hair. c.1950

Harrods ballgown of nylon net, 1958
Advertisement for a Harrods ballgown of nylon net and lace with a billowing skirt on a fitted swathed top. Perfect for a debutante, though inadvisable to stand near open fires while wearing it

Advert for Courtaulds, makers of rayon fabric. The gown depicted is made by Liberty's. In the background is a scene from Ranelagh Gardens in the 18th century. Date: 1954

Ballroom Scene, illustration from Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (1741-1803)
3025976 Ballroom Scene, illustration from Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (1741-1803) 1934 (pochoir print) by Barbier

Pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess of Richmonds
4473170 Pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess of Richmonds Waterloo Ball in Brussels on the 15th June, 1815 (silk gauze) by English School

Mr Romford at Dalberry Lees (coloured engraving)
957793 Mr Romford at Dalberry Lees (coloured engraving) by Leech, John (1817-64) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Romford at Dalberry Lees)

The Ball of the City of Vienna; Austria (colour litho)
5999588 The Ball of the City of Vienna; Austria (colour litho) by Gause, Wilhelm (1853-1916); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Ball of the City of Vienna; Austria)

One of a pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess of Richmond
4473173 One of a pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess of Richmonds Waterloo Ball in Brussels on the 15th June, 1815 (silk gauze) by English School

One of a pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess of Richmond
4473174 One of a pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess of Richmonds Waterloo Ball in Brussels on the 15th June, 1815 (silk gauze) by English School

An evening of dancing in the Grand Meeting Hall at the offices of Le Petit Journal, Paris (colour litho)
2795794 An evening of dancing in the Grand Meeting Hall at the offices of Le Petit Journal, Paris (colour litho) by French School

Le Bal Pare a Monsieur de Villemorien Fila, engraved by L
1630650 Le Bal Pare a Monsieur de Villemorien Fila, engraved by L. Provost (hand-coloured engraving) by Saint-Aubin, Augustin de (1736-1807); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; French

One of a pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess of Richmond
4473171 One of a pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess of Richmonds Waterloo Ball in Brussels on the 15th June, 1815 (silk gauze) by English School

One of a pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess of Richmond
4473172 One of a pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess of Richmonds Waterloo Ball in Brussels on the 15th June, 1815 (silk gauze) by English School

Ladies Robe Etoile from Journal de la Mode et du Gout
810240 Ladies Robe Etoile from Journal de la Mode et du Gout, 1791 (coloured engraving) by French School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Using plain fabric with star motif)

"Link! Ar always said ar could polish him off"(coloured engraving)
957800 " Link! Ar always said ar could polish him off" (coloured engraving) by Browne, Hablot Knight (Phiz) (1815-92) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: " Link)

Couple at Downhill Only Club celebration, 1954
Downhill Only Club for skiers, celebration of the start of the season in London. A couple - Miss Vora Mackintosh, who was in the British skiing team, with Mr Jack Shaw-Stewart - share an aperitif

Grosvenor Ball, 1954 - guests
The third annual Grosvenor Ball at Londonderry House, on Park Lane in Mayfair, London. (The building was demolished in 1965.) Guests Mrs R M Hicks, wearing a beautiful tiered ballgown

Couple at the Cambridge Uni Conservative ball
A couple - Miss Colette Hinedson and Mr Leslie Thornton-Wallis - dancing the samba (apparently!) at the Cambridge University Conservative Association Ball. Date: 1949

The Tatler front cover, 9 May 1962
Front cover of The Tatler for May 1962 celebrating London Fashion Week and featuring three models (Jean Shrimpton at the back)

Dance, English Lancers
People at a ball, dancing the Lancers (reflecting the military pride engendered by the war in the Crimea)

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Captivating Ballgowns Through the Ages: A Journey of Elegance and Glamour" Step into a world of enchantment as we explore the timeless allure of ballgowns. From the delicate flower in her hair, beautifully depicted by David Wright, to the Harrods ballgown made of ethereal nylon net in 1958, these gowns have always been synonymous with grace and sophistication. In an advert for Courtaulds, makers of rayon fabric, we see a Liberty's creation set against the backdrop of Ranelagh Gardens from the 18th century. This fusion of history and fashion showcases how ballgowns effortlessly transcend time. Illustrated in Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos is a captivating ballroom scene from 1934. The pochoir print transports us to an era where elegance reigned supreme. A pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess of Richmond's event captures our attention. These exquisite gowns symbolize not only sisterly bond but also epitomize high society fashion during that period. The colored engraving titled "Mr Romford at Dalberry Lees" adds a touch of whimsy to our exploration. It reminds us that even amidst grandeur, there is room for playfulness and individuality. Transporting ourselves to Vienna's grandest event - The Ball of the City - through a vibrant color litho allows us to witness firsthand how opulence meets celebration on such occasions. Returning once again to another pair of matching dresses worn by two sisters at the Duchess' gathering emphasizes their significance within social circles during this era. These gowns were more than just garments; they represented status and refinement. Le Petit Journal takes us back to Paris with its depiction of an evening filled with dancing in their Grand Meeting Hall. The vivid color litho immerses us in this lively atmosphere where elegance and merriment intertwine.