CULTURE CLUB
Gown with the Wind Tracing the artistry and evolution of bridal fashion through the ages, we cast our eye over Ely Cathedral’s latest exhibition
WORDS BY PHOEBE HARPER
For centuries, wedding gowns have stood as one of the most important outfits in a bride’s life. Vessels of beauty that are themselves made to be beautiful, these gowns are weighted in significance and often cherished for life. To this day, their style and fashion continues to evolve, but beyond their individual significance to the wearer, these dresses can be a fascinating lens through which to explore a historical period, its customs and fashions. This is the premise behind the latest exhibition at Ely Cathedral which, fittingly, is due to open on Valentine’s Day. “Having worked at the cathedral for many years, I have been fortunate
to see many weddings, and it struck me that the bride’s dress is always a source of great excitement for everyone – conjuring up magical memories, hopes of love and happiness,” reflects events manager Jocelyn Palmer. “Each time a bride arrives at the cathedral, it sets off a flurry of conversations – what people wore at their wedding, what they would like to wear when they get married, what their grandmother wore and how varied the fabrics and styles of dresses have been over the centuries.” The display assembles over 30 dresses, dating back to the Regency era and on to the Victorian period when, almost 180 years ago, Queen Victoria herself made a lasting sartorial impression by choosing to wear white – a traditional decision still adhered to by many today. The timeline continues right up to the modern day, bypassing standout pieces including an opulent Edwardian gown and an original 1920s dress by Coco Chanel. The exhibition also includes wedding dresses made famous by the silver screen, including those worn by Meryl Streep for the wedding scene in Out of Africa and Jenna Coleman in the ITV television series Victoria . From such riches to repurposed rags, we see how – during less resource-rich historical periods such as wartime – it became common practice to reuse old fabric and the dresses of other family members. “These clothes provide valuable insights into the practical and resilient attitudes of those times,” explains Jocelyn. Beyond admiring the gowns themselves, the display provokes contemplation into the shifting ideals of femininity and social norms over the ages, using an exquisite visual narrative as its guide. The exhibition will be held within the gorgeous 14th-century Lady Chapel, and will be included as part of the general admission to the cathedral. The exhibition, A Celebration of Bridal Gowns, will be running at Ely Cathedral from 14 February to 17 March 2024. Find out more at elycathedral.org
14 Feb – 17 Mar
FEBRUARY 2024 11
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