Images(3)

Ivory Wedding Dress and Sash

Manufacturer Doree Leventhal Ltd

AssociatedAssociated with Peggy Walker (Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, 1924 - 2016)

Date1940s

Object NameDress

Mediumrayon brocade, beads and sequins

ClassificationsFashion and Dress

DimensionsChest x Waist x Length x Back Length x Bust x Circumference x Hips: 450 × 340 × 1490 × 1670 × 400 × 4300 × 600mm

AcquisitionThe Peggy Walker Gift, 1989.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS011330

Keywords

About MeThis ivory wedding dress is made of rayon brocade which was used extensively during the frugal war years. The dress has a sweetheart neckline, long pointed sleeves and a full skirt that is tucked at the waist. These features are like those found in HRH Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress. A little of the glamour of Elizabeth's gown can also be found in the sequin and bead decoration on the bodice. Doree Leventhal Limited, London, made this striking dress in the 1940s. The dress was worn with a veil and utility scheme wedding shoes.

The donor, Peggy Walker, spent her early childhood in the Aberdeenshire countryside until her family moved into central Aberdeen. She taught dressmaking and costume design at the Northern College of Education in Aberdeen. She also made costumes for student shows in her role as wardrobe mistress in the drama department. She was an expert on historical costume and amassed a large collection that was donated to Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums as the Peggy Walker Gift.