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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.

  • Robe à l’anglaise, ivory silk damask, c. 1750-1770
    Robe à l’anglaise, ivory silk damask, c. 1750-1770
  • Stockings, pre-1750
    Stockings, pre-1750
  • Robe à l’anglaise, printed cotton, c. 1770, front view
    Robe à l’anglaise, printed cotton, c. 1770
  • Quilted petticoat, yellow silk, 18th century, petticoat with dress, front view
    Quilted petticoat, yellow silk, 18th century
  • Stays, green wool and natural linen with whalebone, c. 1780, front view
    Stays, green wool and natural linen with whalebone, c. 1780
  • Woman’s red wool cloak, c. 1750-1800, front view
    Woman’s red wool cloak, c. 1750-1800
  • Pochette, mid-18th century, front view
    Pochette, mid-18th century
  • Dress, blue and white striped linen, homespun, c. 1800, front view
    Dress, blue and white striped linen, homespun, c. 1800
  • Pattens, 1760-1790, side and front view
    Pattens, 1760-1790
  • Shoes, black wool with latchets, 1760-1770, side and front view
    Shoes, black wool with latchets, 1760-1770
  • Brown linen stays, 1780-1790, front view
    Brown linen stays, 1780-1790
  • Bonnet, traditional German folk hat of metal lace, 19th century, side back view
    Bonnet, traditional German folk hat of metal lace, 19th century
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