Description:This dress belonged to Mrs Mary Ashton (1845-1893) of Little Onn Hall. Trained skirt, bodice and waistcoat made from maroon velvet and peach satin fabrics. Trained skirt has alternating vertical panels of cream lace, ruched satin and velvet at the front. Bustle at the back is decorated at either side with a bow of peach satin ribbon. Triangular insertions of peach satin fabric at hem and a frill of cream lace. Skirt is fully lined with white and black gauze. Back of skirt is boned and has tape ties. Cotton pocket on right side of skirt.
Fitted bodice is lined with black silk fabric and has protective underarm pads. Vertical bands of peach satin down front. Centre front opening is fastened by fifteen pearly buttons and hand worked buttonholes. Three quarter length sleeves, fan-tail at back and neck edge are decorated with cream lace. Tape attached to waist inside is printed with manufacturer's name.
Waistcoat has been mounted onto white cotton fabric. Centre front opening is fastened by five domed buttons (covered with cream silk fabric) and hand worked buttonholes. Neck edge is piped with cream silk and has a cream net frill. White cotton tape ties attached to waist at back.
Maker is Messrs. Pinte and Perrin. Police Street, Manchester.