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wedding dress

Accession Number NWHCM : 2015.90.2

Description

Dress; cream wool and satin aesthetic wedding dress, high ruched satin neck elongating to form front full length pleated panel, integral pleated train falling from fitted back.

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This handmade dress is unusual as it demonstrates the aesthetic movement of the late 19th century. The movement centred around the philosophy of 'art of art's sake', placing beauty as the most important aspect of art and design. Here this is demonstrated by the flowing nature of the dress' outward appearance, seeming to hug the body naturally. In fact, the internals of the dress mean it is likely uncomfortable to wear due to the hidden boning which provides this structure. This wedding dress was clearly chosen by the bride with thoughts of the aesthetic movement in mind, making a careful choice to wear something which was both beautiful and the opposite of what was then in fashion.

Artist handmade
Creation Date 1878-1882
Department Costume and Textiles : Norwich Castle Museum