Recreating a mantua gown

This dress is a half-scale replica of a gown known as a mantua, which was fashionable among English women between about 1670 and 1740. Before the 1670s, most outerwear for women was made by male tailors. But this loose, unstructured style of dress was adopted by women seamstresses who professionalised the trade of the mantua-maker.

By the 1750s, mantua-makers were producing many different styles of gowns and petticoats. I made this replica to analyse the developing skills of the mantua-maker trade and the significance of the garments these women left behind.

Written by: Rebecca Morrison, former V&A PhD Researcher
Published: May 2025

Description: Half-scale mantua recreating the pattern of the full-size mantua (museum no. T.88 to C-1978)
Maker: Rebecca Morrison

Description: Drawing for mantua
Maker: Rebecca Morrison

Working Museum