Purchased in Knightsbridge, this dress was one of eight Horrockses garments Mrs Margaret Edgar took with her to Aden, South Yemen, where she worked as a teacher in RAF schools. The striking cotton cocktail dress features a bold abstract print in graphite shades of black and grey on white, resembling quick, expressive pencil strokes. The lively, sketch-like pattern reflects the era’s fascination with abstract mark-making in modern art. The fitted bodice, gathered skirt and delicate spaghetti straps are accented with black trim at the neckline and waistband. It is accompanied by a matching wrap.