Classic, historical and nostalgic wedding dresses really do provide a dose of inspiration for that big day unique factor. So, when we heard that the beautiful Doddington Hall, near Lincoln were showcasing a variety of incredible dresses dating back to the 1800's, we just had to get it out there! So, here is a press release from Doddington Hall telling you all about this wonderful exhibition and what you can look forward to seeing:
An exhibition of unusual, interesting and historic wedding dresses will be taking place during August and early September at Doddington Hall near Lincoln, promising a fascinating collection of approximately 60 dresses from around the county and further afield. The exhibition is supported by a grant from Renaissance East Midlands.
All couples attending the Exhibition can enter a competition to win a wedding venue at Doddington: http://www.doddingtonhall.com/calendar/event/54
Everyone - male or female - is invited to come along in a wedding dress - theirs or borrowed - on Sunday 15 August and get in for free: http://www.doddingtonhall.com/calendar/event/546
Stately homes from around Lincolnshire will be represented. As well as dresses from the Jarvis family at Doddington including Victoria Jarvis’ 1960s Hardy Amies dress and current owner Claire Birch’s 1986 Droopy & Brown ‘Princess Diana-Inspired’ dress, visitors can see the 1997 Ben de Lisi silk and crystal dress belonging to Miranda Rock of Burghley House; both the wedding dress and wedding kimono belonging to Rie Day of Fulbeck Hall; the white silk Princess-line dress with hand-sown pearls and train later used for christenings worn by Easton Walled Garden’s Lady Ursula Cholmeley and a dress designed by Miss Sara Perceval for the daughter of Shervie Price, owner of Harrington Hall near Spilsby. Also included is the wedding dress gifted to Lady Ursula d’Abo of Belvoir Castle – cited as one of The Queen’s most beautiful Maids of Honour at her Coronation - by the Maharani of Jaipur in 1946/7.
Dresses of historical interest are included. As well as dresses very similar to those worn by Lady Diana Spencer and Lady Jayne Grey, also secured is the dress worn in 1820 by the illegitimate daughter of George IV, who was just 12 years old when she married. The tiny dress is edged with ribbon and net lace with leg o’mutton sleeves.
Unusual & local interest dresses will be displayed. These include a black wedding dress, a wedding dress for dogs, a knitted dress and a dress made from Lincolnshire Longwool by a shepherdess. Dresses worn in recent years at weddings held at Doddington Hall will be making a return. Dresses belonging to staff at the Hall have also been loaned, including the Nepalese dress belonging to Gauri Limbu. A 1907 silk dress owned by a lady from Skellingthorpe is included, as is a 1940’s gold silk dress worn at a Horncastle wedding. One Skegness dress was worn twice – firstly in 1947 by Mrs Tebb and then again in 1995 by her granddaughter Nola Shaw. A 1939 dress from Boston will be displayed - made of silk painted with flowers the dress was worn many times afterwards as was the practice in post-war Britain. Another wartime dress has a matching gas mask cover. A 1920s dress has been lent, as have a couple from the 1960s.
‘Old, New, Mostly Borrowed & One Blue’ will be held in the Long Gallery at Doddington Hall & Garden every Wednesday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday 1pm to 5pm 1 August to 10 September. Exhibition included in admission. For more information, please see www.doddingtonhall.com or call 01522 694 308.
