140 years of bridal fashion on display at Preston Park Museum

Showcasing 140 years of changing styles, Wedding Belles will feature 15 handpicked gowns as well as shoes and headdresses from the museum's collection.

Opening today (Tuesday 12 March) and running until the 6 May 2019, this intimate exhibition will give visitors the chance to see beautiful dresses up close, which are not usually on public display.

All of the gowns belong to women from the local area, including a 1920s dress owned by Mrs Olivia Barton from Hartlepool. Her dress and accessories were bought from a Parisian boutique and include exquisite details such as an embroidered image of the Taj Mahal on her shoes. 

The 70s and 80s wedding dresses, as well as the 80s bridesmaid gowns have been borrowed from members of the public following a call out on Preston Park's social media pages.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Norma Wilburn, said: "We're really looking forward to showcasing 15 beautiful gowns from the museum's collection, some of which have never been on public display. It's fascinating to see how the styles and fashions have changed over the years, as well discovering the stories behind wedding traditions and customs."

Wedding Belles will be open to visitors from 10am - 4pm (with last admission at 3.30pm) from Tuesdays - Sundays from 12 March to 6 May 2019. It will also be open on Monday 8 April, Monday 15 April, Monday 22 April and Monday 6 May. Entry is included in the price of normal museum admission.

Adult Tickets are just £2.50, Concession/Child tickers are £1.50 and under 5s are free. All tickets are valid for unlimited visits for one year from date of issue.

Visit Preston Park Museum and Ground website.