One of the bridesmaid’s dresses from the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip has become part of an important royal collection.
The gown, designed by Sir Norman Hartnell for the 1947 celebrations, now belongs to Historic Royal Palaces and now forms part of its Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.
(c) Historic Royal Palaces
The dress was worn by Lady Elizabeth Lambert, one of eight bridesmaids at the wedding which took place at Westminster Abbey.
(c) Historic Royal Palaces
It was put up for auction earlier this year and now belongs to Historic Royal Palaces where it will join over 10,000 other items of historic clothing dating from the 16th to the 21st centuries.
(c) Historic Royal Palaces
Sir Norman Hartnell took inspiration from Botticelli’s Primavera for the bridesmaid’s outfits. He also had to work under tight restrictions as he could only use material available under rationing for the post war outfits.
(c) Historic Royal Palaces
The gown and accessories will now undergo a period of assessment and conservation work to ensure its long term preservation and to get it ready to potentially go on show at a later date.
It was acquired at auction by Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity looking after some of the most famous royal homes and artefacts in the world. The purchase was completed with support from the Art Fund, the Arts Council of England/ V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the William Brake Foundation.
