Dearly Beloved: 100 Years of the Wedding Dress | Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum

It’s the summer of love at Rokowhiria, Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, with a new exhibition, Dearly Beloved: 100 Years of the Wedding Dress.

The exhibition features a total of twelve wedding dresses, representing wedding fashion from the late 1800s through to the twentieth century. With dresses ranging from classic white and extra frilly to sleek, pink, or hand-crocheted, there is a vast range of styles for visitors to explore.

Rokowhiria’s Collections and Exhibitions Lead, Samantha Gatley, will be hosting a workshop called Treasured Threads on Sunday, 15 February .

At this practical workshop, Samantha will explain how to protect and preserve your special garments for future generations. Attendees can bring along a special garment such as a wedding dress, Christening gown or treasured textile, and learn techniques developed by museums for safe storage, gentle handling and long-term care. This workshop is $50 per person, and each attendee will receive their own museum-grade box for storing their treasured garments.