A fine and rare Ossie Clark/Celia Birtwell printed chiffon 'Tulip' dress, 1972, un-labelled, the figure-hugging bias cut dress with button fastening to neck, slightly flared sleeves, bust approx 86-92cm, 34-36in Provenance: Nicky Samuels. This is one of the most rare and famous of Ossie and Celia's creations which Nicky wore for a 1972 Norman Parkinson photographic session at her Chelsea home. Languorously draped over a table covered in antique textiles, a vase of lilies and a book entitled 'Babylon' to her side, with her auburn tresses she was the personification of bohemian chic. The tulip print of the dress contrasted with the late 17th century embroidered table cover and the woven Indian rug to produce a riot of pattern and colour. Literature: 'Ossie Clark 1965-74' by Judith Watt p117 for the Norman Parkinson photograph, for Vogue December 1972 and p118 for a full page illustration of the dress. 'Celia Birtwell' by Celia Birtwell, Quadrille Publishing p98 for a detail of the fabric and p99 for a picture of Nicky wearing the dress.

1 x 0.5cm hole (could be a cigarette burn) to front left waist area, 1.5cm split below neck opening binding, 4 x 6cm repair to rear hem edge, another repair to hem edge 0.5 x 2cm, 1cm split at hem edge. Patch repair to centre back around the waist level approx. 4x3cm and 8cm long repaired diagonal split to the side of this. Re-stitched seam and seam pull at derriere. 0.8x2.5cm hole at rear hem. Approx. 4 tiny scattered holes at hem edge. Left underarm seam re-stitched/resewn 5cm and 4cm repaired split, 1cm repair at right underarm seam. All of the repairs are well done and not immediately noticeable due to the business of the pattern.