Bridal fashions on display

An exhibition depicting 100 years of bridal fashions will be on display at the Albertland Museum in Wellsford from May 30.At least 12 gowns will be on show, covering the years from 1860 to 1960. The exhibition will also include a groom’s outfit, bridesmaids dresses and other wedding frippery such as wedding cake tins and invitations.

Exhibition curator Lyn Johnston says several of the gowns belong to two generations of the same family and all gowns have an Albertland connection.

One of the oldest items on display will be the bodice of Mary Ann Neal’s 1866 wedding dress.

“When you start to research early bridal fashions, it’s amazing how many items of clothing brides’ wore,” Lyn says.

“Their tiny waistlines are also quite evident by the size of the dresses.

“Some of the gowns are nothing short of works of art.”

While some of the dresses in the exhibition are from the museum’s collection, a number are on loan and have not been seen outside the family before.

The gowns vary in colour and are made of a range of fabrics including silk, satin, delustered satin, white lawn, georgette and crepe, and feature lace and pearl appliqué, and delicate brocades.

Mannequins for the exhibition were kindly loaned by Warkworth Museum.

The Unveiled – Brides Through Time exhibition opening will be part of an Open Day at the museum.

A DVD of wedding photos will run during the Open Day and a catalogue of the gowns on display, featuring photos of them being worn by the original brides, will also be provided.

The exhibition will run until the end of August.