Utility Scheme Wedding Dress and Slip
AssociatedAssociated with
CC41
AssociatedAssociated with
Peggy Walker
(Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, 1924 - 2016)
AssociatedAssociated with
George Anderson Davidson
(Cairnie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland)
Date29 August 1942
Object NameDress
Mediumpolyester satin
ClassificationsFashion and Dress
DimensionsChest x Waist x Length x Back Length x Bust x Circumference x Hips: 470 × 380 × 1380 × 1380 × 420 × 2420 × 450mm
AcquisitionThe Peggy Walker Gift.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS014581
About MeA bride wore this dress at her wedding in St Rufus Church, Keith, on 29th August 1942. This dress was made to regulations specified under the Government's Utility Scheme, and still has the remains of a CC41 label at the back.
During World War Two clothing was rationed from 1941. Would-be buyers took ration books with them to shops, so that the coupons could be removed from the book and cancelled. The CC41 Utility logo was a British Board of Trade requirement that appeared on footwear, utility furniture, textiles and utility clothing for just over 10 years.
Brides often married in uniform or two-piece suits due to shortages of material for a traditional wedding dress. This bride, however, was able to choose a long, cream satin dress set with ruched panels and two decorative triangular ruched pockets for her wedding.
