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The dress was worn by Henrietta Bankes, mother of Henry John ‘Ralph’ Bankes, who donated the estate to the National Trust in 1981. The gown was created by Jeanne Paquin, a pioneering couturier known for her innovative designs. It is part of a display honouring Henrietta’s life and her influence on Kingston Lacy.
Elena Greer, curator at Kingston Lacy, said: "This display celebrates two bold and creative women: Henrietta Bankes and Jeanne Paquin." The exhibition also marks 20 years since the restoration of the Japanese Garden, which was originally designed by Henrietta more than a century ago. Visitors can see personal items belonging to Henrietta, including her wedding ring and letters, as well as Japanese ceramics collected by the Bankes family over the past 300 years.
The tea gown underwent recent conservation work, which revealed it had been let out, possibly after Henrietta had children. The conservation was challenging due to the variety of textiles used in the gown’s construction. Ms Greer said: "The exhibition also explores the creativity and craftsmanship involved in the making – and conservation – of the tea gown.
" The gown is now displayed safely, supported by new underpinnings and a bespoke costume dummy..
