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The dress on display at History Park.
Photo: Elizabeth Urbach. |
I was allowed to put my grandma's wedding dress on display this weekend for a
special event at the
museum where I work. In preparation for the event, I had to design the exhibit, arrange for items like a dress form and other display props, and do my own set up and take down. I also discovered that the gown and veil needed some TLC. before it would survive the display! Even though they were only made in 1945 (and there are many things from the '40s that are in such good condition they can still be used), the gown and veil were literally falling apart in places. I researched what it would take to restore them and found that I had neither the tools nor the money to do so properly ($80 per yard museum-quality
silk crepeline for a support lining, anyone?). The rayon satin of the gown, and the nylon (or rayon?) net of the veil were badly ripped in places, and the gown fabric was literally breaking off into bits at the edges of the torn areas. The best I could do was to baste strips of well-washed cotton muslin from seam to seam across the torn areas, to take pressure off of the fabric, and then baste the edges of the tears to the muslin.
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Ca. 1945 wedding cake topper made of icing sugar.
Photo: Elizabeth Urbach. |
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