Victorian Bridal Gowns

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31830, 7 November 1968, Page 2

Victorian Bridal Gowns

White has not always been traditional wear for brides. After 1850 bridal gowns were made in the fashionable shades of the day, and three of them wi ll be modelled at a parade of period clothes organised by the Canterbury Antique Club at Riccarton House during Show Week. The gown in the centre of the picture, modelled by Mrs E. G. Crockett, was preserved by the Madeley family of

Ciarkville. It was worn in 1850 by Mrs James Haywood. Silk fringes, the long sleeves, and the bodice come to a deep V, inset with crochet lace. It is taffeta, as are all the gowns. Miss Linda Womall, left, is wearing a gown of tan taffeta with a tiny, dark brown print, in which a Mrs Russell of Kaiapoi, was married in 1860. The skirt is held

with a bustle uid the separate bodice is pin tucked, with a stiff Victorian collar outlined with cream lace. Mrs C. L. Lemon, of Leeston, was married in 1870 in the gown modelled by Mrs S. McCallum, at right. Brown and wine coloured stripes and spots print the pale, silverblue fabric. It is in three pieces bodice, skirt, and apron.