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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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