Two evening dresses

Two evening dresses by one of the 20th century's most accomplished couturiers: 1) Cream tulle ballgown with velvet swallow design and 2) white floral motif on black net gown. Dresses from the collection have been purchased by three museums: Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle; Fashion Museum, Bath and the V&A, London. The V&A have purchased two further dresses from the collection with separate funding. Andrew Macdonald, Acting Director of the Art Fund, said: 'These exquisite dresses reveal the astonishing cut and design of Madeleine VionnetÂ’s haute couture. Her innovative construction techniques and skilled manipulation of fabric have inspired many of todayÂ’s leading fashion designers. Sharing the collection between the three museums is a wonderful way of allowing more people to see VionnetÂ’s distinctive style as well as the sumptuous tastes of Lady Foley and the Art Fund is thrilled to have helped save them for the nation.'