Description:Cotton muslin dress with silk embroidery and silver thread decoration. The garment is decorated with carnations. The carnation symbolised bravery, love and friendship. Between 1800 and about 1810 white was the most popular colour for women's dresses. Many of the fine muslins were imported from India. The short sleeves suggest this dress was worn in the evening. Long sleeves were generally worn during the day. The dress was worn with a long corset, knee length drawers and a petticoat, together with a white cotton chemise next to the skin. This dress comes from Talke and was worn by a member of the Caldwell family.