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Professor Irma G. Bowen began collecting items in 1920 as a hands-on teaching tool for students in the Home Economics department at the University of New Hampshire. The collection was named in Bowen’s honor after her death in 1947, and by the time it transitioned to the University Museum in 1969, the Bowen Collection had gained new significance. With most of the objects donated by local colleagues and families, the preserved items were recognized as an unexpected archive of New Hampshire heritage on a personal scale, a glimpse of lives otherwise invisible to the historical record.

This digital catalog continues the Bowen Collection's mission to teach while expanding its reach by making it more widely accessible to those interested in the design, technique, artistry, and historical relevance of clothing.

Evening gown, Marie Lamy of Paris, ice blue silk satin with a paillette-strewn bobbinet overlay, 1908-1915, front view
Evening gown, Marie Lamy of Paris, ice blue silk satin with a paillette-strewn bobbinet overlay, 1908-1915
Wedding suit, blue wool with cord-work, 1909, front view
Wedding suit, blue wool with cord-work, 1909
Dress, white silk with embroidery and fringe, 1910s, front view
Dress, white silk with embroidery and fringe, 1910s
Dress, embroidered voile over a black silk satin skirt, 1910s, front view
Dress, embroidered voile over a black silk satin skirt, 1910s
Dress, cream silk faille with ecru embroidered net, c.1910, front view
Dress, cream silk faille with ecru embroidered net, c.1910
Dress, cream satin with black chiffon overlay and tasseled, embroidered panels, c. 1910s (refurbished), front view
Dress, cream satin with black chiffon overlay and tasseled, embroidered panels, c. 1910s (refurbished)
Shoes, blue kidskin pumps, 1910s, side and front view
Shoes, blue kidskin pumps, 1910s
Hat, raffia with silk flowers, c. 1910s, front view
Hat, raffia with silk flowers, c. 1910s
Dress, black ribbed double-faced satin trimmed with reverse side, 1910-1915, front view
Dress, black ribbed double-faced satin trimmed with reverse side, 1910-1915
Dress, House of Worth, black silk chiffon and cream silk satin with cream lace, 1910-1915, front view
Dress, House of Worth, black silk chiffon and cream silk satin with cream lace, 1910-1915
Coat, teal wool with cordwork, 1910-1915, front view
Coat, teal wool with cordwork, 1910-1915
Toque, black velvet with ostrich feathers, c. 1910-1920, front view
Toque, black velvet with ostrich feathers, c. 1910-1920
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