South Somerset Heritage Collection (SSHC) wanted to use their On Display grant to conserve a significant dress in the collection with a local connection, prevent further deterioration to the dress and provide their volunteer team with the necessary knowledge and skills to care for other costume items in their large collection.

The dress itself is a purple silk and brocade dress from 1883, which belonged to a Miss Emily Read. She wore this very dress on her wedding day to Charles Coombs, a local postman. The dress’s connection to Yeovil, through its likely origin at R & E Damon, Drapers, Clothiers and Outfitters on High Street, further enriches its narrative.

Morwenna Stevens was contracted as the conservator, and on Monday 3 February she led a hands-on workshop, teaching staff and volunteers the intricate art of preparing a pro-form mannequin for display. This meant they gained valuable skills in creating supportive layers, crafting a ribbed petticoat, and even stitching silk sleeves – all crucial for showcasing the dress in its best light.

SSHC Heritage Co-Ordinator, Joseph Lewis, said,

“Our Costume Mounting Workshop was amazing! The simple joy lay in seeing Emily’s dress return in conserved condition and then working together as a team to display it to the best possible standards“

The On Display! grant has not only brought Emily’s dress back to life but also empowered their volunteers with new skills. From the costume mounting workshop, the volunteers noted that they can now plan ahead for future activities both in and external to the museum. They also feel able to better support the future museum activities.

The SSHC team is now eager to share Emily’s story and her exquisite dress with visitors, highlighting the vital link to Yeovil’s past. Keep an eye out for the dress’s display at SSHC and other local venues.

We are delighted to announce that On Display! will be returning in 2025 thanks to funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. We will shortly be releasing further information shortly, sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about the new grant!