Once we determined that the remaining three wedding dresses, requested for the exhibtion Of Love and War, were able to be safely put on display, the textile conservators worked in collaboration with curators and exhibition staff to determine the dimensions of showcase and, the types and styles of mannequins. To get the most accurate dimensions the dresses were placed on temporary mannequins and the trains were arranged as they will fall on display. In the picture the two wedding dresses in the foreground have undergone no conservation treatment and are on ill-fitting temporary mannequins, the wedding dress in the back is on a mannequin previously custom made for it.
Wedding dresses for Of Love and War on temporary mannequinsAs part of the process of conservation we will ensure that mannequins are custom made for all the wedding dresses and uniforms on display in Of Love and War. This will ensure that the garments are correctly supported and shaped and that all materials used in the construction of the mannequins are of archival quality.
December 4th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
What a great idea for a display – Of Love and War.
It’s interesting as I suppose that the greatest hatered (war), brings the greatest outpouring of love.
Best of luck with the exhibition.
Alex
January 12th, 2010 at 11:24 am
So wonderful – the dresses!
i love them !
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:16 am
Not the sort of item you usually associate with war, but on reflection at that time many sweethearts got married before the men went off to war and it helps paint a balanced picture of the times.