Court Dressmaker

[Quester]

Hi,
 I have an ancestor who according to the 1891 census was a Court Dressmaker living in Vincent Street, Westminster.
Would this have been a very prestigious job then? She was only 16 so it seems a very young age to attain this sort of status.
Best Wishes from Quester.

[PaulineJ]

perhaps the rest of the household would give a clue.
What was the name & reference?

[Quester]

Hi Pauline,
It is RG12/78 1891 census for Joseph C. Wright. Joseph is listed as an accoutrement Maker OB.  (Maker of Military clothing or accessories) I don't know what the letters OB refer to? The wife Mary has no occupation and Emma the daughter is the Court dressmaker. Edward the nephew, is a Polishers Clerk but may have been just visiting.
Regards Quester

[PaulineJ]

Edward the nephew was there in 1871. Long visit...

Doesn't seem like a terribly high-status job.
http://www.fashion-era.com/the_seamstress.htm#The%20Edwardian%20Court%20Dressmaker%20Of%20Bond%20Street

[Quester]

Thanks so much Pauline for your quick & informative reply. It didn't sound too good, you're right.
 Best Wishes Quester

[Little Nell]

I think in this instance the girl in question was a dressmaker who made dresses to be worn at court or for very formal occasions where royalty might be present i.e. when 'Court dress' was the order of the day rather than that she made dresses for the Royal Courtiers/Household or Family.  As you say, very hard work.

Nell

[Quester]

Thanks Little Nell - much appreciated.
Regards from Quester