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Brown printed floral Laura Ashley dress, 1970s. Laura Ashley moved to Wales and opened a factory in Carno, mid-Wales in 1963. As the business grew she employed more local women. With four children of her own, she understood the need for family-friendly working hours. Workers who were mothers were able to work from home, coming to the factory when their children went to school. They made tea towels, oven gloves and smocks at home. Capes and dresses were made in the factory.

The dress is machine sewn with white floral motifs against a background of white dots. High-waisted empire style. Short sleeves with elasticated gathered flounces. Ziip closure at back (plastic with metal grip). Crochet detail at neck. Skirt constructed from one flat section, followed by two wide flounces which are each gathered into the fabric above. Flat section consists of a single piece of fabric, the upper flounce is constructed of four pieces joined together with vertical seams and the lower flounce is made up of six pieces. The zip reaches down to the bottom of the flat section of the skirt.