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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.

Bustle with wire coils, c. 1885, back view
Bustle with wire coils, c. 1885
Bustle, lobster-tail with wire coils and pad, c. 1885, back view
Bustle, lobster-tail with wire coils and pad, c. 1885
Evening gown, Marie Lamy of Paris, black silk satin with a black-sequined overlay and short puffed sleeves, 1890s, front view
Evening gown, Marie Lamy of Paris, black silk satin with a black-sequined overlay and short puffed sleeves, 1890s
Cape with black silk faille and jet bead embroidery, 1890s, front view
Cape with black silk faille and jet bead embroidery, 1890s
Toque, blue velvet with rhinestones and feathers, 1890s, front view
Toque, blue velvet with rhinestones and feathers, 1890s
Toque, oval shape with cream ribbon, brown velvet, and artificial flowers, 1890s, front view
Toque, oval shape with cream ribbon, brown velvet, and artificial flowers, 1890s
Bonnet, black straw lace, 1890s, front view
Bonnet, black straw lace, 1890s
Bodice, blue silk faille with silk velvet panel and pleated peplum, 1890-1892, front view
Bodice, blue silk faille with silk velvet panel and pleated peplum, 1890-1892
Pink silk corset, 1890-1905, front view
Pink silk corset, 1890-1905
Aesthetic or reform dress in wine red and black ribbed silk and wool, c. 1892, front view
Aesthetic or reform dress in wine red and black ribbed silk and wool, c. 1892
Dress, blue velvet and blue voided velvet on a red ground, c. 1892, front view
Dress, blue velvet and blue voided velvet on a red ground, c. 1892
Wedding dress, maroon silk faille with sleeve puffs, 1893, front view
Wedding dress, maroon silk faille with sleeve puffs, 1893
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