Say ‘I do’ to Cannon Hall’s latest blockbuster exhibition: Tales of the Wedding Dress: Handmade to World Stage

Great British Life: Sarah White bouquet. Photo: Roseana HansonSarah White bouquet. Photo: Roseana Hanson (Image: Roseanna Hanson 2013)

With a long history of love and romance, Cannon Hall Museum, the stunning Georgian country house nestled in picturesque South Yorkshire countryside, is the perfect setting for an original display of spectacular wedding gowns.

Due to arrive in early spring, just as the Hall’s parklands burst to life with blossoming rhododendrons and geraniums, this free exhibition celebrates the history and significance of that very special dress.

In rooms that saw the love story of Walter and Mary Spencer-Stanhope unfold, visitors will find fashions, traditions and personal stories behind locally hand crafted dresses as well as having the opportunity to see a collection of bridal costumes, worn by stars of major screen productions.

The dresses will guide people through the decades and the fashions that defined them. They will see beautiful creations that range from a hand-knitted bamboo & silk yarn dress taken from a 1930’s pattern to a complete ‘Wizard of Oz’ themed ensemble from 2013. As well as the gowns themselves visitors will have a fascinating insight into the decisions that shaped their beginnings and discover the tales behind the women’s lives at the time of their marriage.

Alongside these spectacular creations will be a selection of glamourous gowns previously seen on the big screen. The pieces which are kindly on loan from Cosprop, the world’s leading costumier to film, television and theatre, includes dresses worn by Jenna Coleman as Queen Victoria in the recent ITV series, Helena Bonham Carter’s gothic gown from the 1994 film ‘Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein’, and Keira Knightley’s elegant costume from her film role as Georgiana in ‘The Duchess’, 2008.

A whole range of activities will be taking place in the Hall to celebrate the arrival of the exhibition, guaranteed to suit all interests and past times. For those with a creative flair or just wanting to learn new skills there will be workshops in buttonhole making, floristry and center piece making. People with a thirst for history will enjoy a series of talks taking place in July. Celebrating the female characters found in the novels of Jane Austen and indeed the authors own romantic experiences , as well as commemorating her 200th anniversary, it is a captivating way to spend an afternoon or early evening while enjoying tasty refreshments.

Tales of the Wedding Dress: Handmade to World Stage Saturday, 8 April until Sunday, 3 September (please note that Cosprop dresses will be on display from Friday, 26 May)

For more information about the exhibition and the event taking place visit www.cannon-hall.com