Wine Wedding Dress
AssociatedAssociated with
St. Clement's Church
(Footdee, Aberdeen, 1827 - 1987)
Date1841
Object NameDress
Mediumdamask silk, cotton and lace
ClassificationsFashion and Dress
DimensionsLength: 127 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1982.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS002195
About MeThis wine damask silk wedding dress was worn by Agnes Matheson (nee Henderson) at her wedding in East Saint Clement's Church, Aberdeen on the 7th of October 1841. She was 26 years old.Saint Clement's (East) Church is a place of worship which served the fisher community who lived near the city Harbour. It first opened in 1827 and closed its doors in 1987.
The wide low collar frames the neckline of the fitted bodice with pointed waist. The full skirt is gathered into soft pleats and would have been worn over several petticoats. The construction of the sleeves is also interesting as they are tightly gathered at the top and loose around the elbow. This accentuates the slope of the shoulder and the tightness of the wrist.
Coloured and patterned dresses such as this were a prudent option for women from modest backgrounds. White was a status symbol in the centuries where laundry had to be done laboriously by hand. This wine coloured dress is likely to have been worn again after the wedding day for 'Sunday best' or for special occasions.
1899
