Something Borrowed Something Blue

23 July - 27 January

 

Southland Museum and Art Gallery Niho o te Taniwha is proud to present Something Borrowed Something Blue, an exhibition of wedding dresses and accessories from our collection.

 

Few garments are chosen with as much care and deliberation as the gown a bride wears at her own wedding. These garments are a celebration of love and commitment. They are part of a long tradition that heralds a new beginning for the happy couple.

 

This exhibition draws together some of the earliest wedding garments and accessories from the museum’s collection.

 

Some of the stories behind the collection include Mary Ann Alexander (nee Kidd) from Scotland, who was married in 1857 wearing her cherished blue silk taffeta gown. Mary brought the gown with her when she emigrated to New Zealand in 1859. The gown was the height of fashion with it’s flounces, fringe and cage crinoline petticoat.

 

And in 1969, Anita Mary Flynn returned from overseas and married Balfour farmer, Edward Hailes.  Anita’s gown, also the height of fashion, was bought at Farry’s, Dunedin and her matching hat is a ‘Mr Wyn Original’, designed and created by award winning NZ hat designer Wynne Fallwell.

 

The treasured pieces in the exhibition highlight the importance of the wedding in the hearts and minds of the Southland people.   Their hopes and dreams were imbedded in every stitch of the gown. Something Borrowed Something Blue offers a glimpse into brides with a Southland connection and their stories.

 

Something Borrowed Something Blue is open from 23 July 2016 at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery Niho o te Taniwha, 108 Gala Street, Invercargill.