Paulette Goddard's Embroidered Dress

Paulette Goddard, 1910-1990, photographed by Cecil Beaton, wearing a dress decorated by Mr. Lock, 1947. Paulette Goddard, 1910-1990, photographed by Cecil Beaton, wearing a dress decorated by Mr. Lock, 1947.

In 1947 Cecil Beaton, one of the most famous fashion (and war) photographers of the twentieth century, wrote a thank you letter to Mr. Lock of what later became the firm of Hand & Lock, an important British embroidery company based in London.

The letter stated:

Dear Mr. Lock. Thank you so much for the wonderful embroidery you have done on Paulette Goddard’s dress. We were thrilled by it, and everyone admired your ingenuity and detail work. With many thanks and admiration.

Yours Sincerely, Cecil Beaton.

With the letter was a photograph of Paulette Goddard wearing the dress. On the photograph was the inscription: To Mr Lock, with appreciation for your marvellous workmanship, Paulette Goddard, portrait by Cecil Beaton.

The American actress Paulette Goddard (1910-1990) was one of the leading ladies of the famous early twentieth century comedian, Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977). Their films together included 'Modern Times' and 'The Great Dictator'. She went on to marry Chaplin (as well as a number of other actors). Her other films included 'North West Mounted Police' (1940), 'Reap the Wild Wind' (1942) and 'Unconquered' (1947). In 1947 she came to England to make 'An Ideal Husband' (also known as 'Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband'), produced and directed by Alexander Korda, and it is for this film that the dress was made.

In the Beaton photograph Goddard is shown sitting in profile with an elaborate film set behind her. The dress, and especially its embroidered sleeves, bodice and skirt, are the focal point of the image.

Digital source of information and image.

GVE

Last modified on Monday, 17 April 2017 10:41
Published in Daily and general garments and textiles
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