Bath gets dressed up

In many ways, Ghislaine Alexander was the Victoria Beckham of her day. No event was ever considered complete without her presence and every change in her wardrobe caught the attention of the press. Now, two dresses that were worn by the socialite and TV personality have been saved for the viewing of the nation by Bath Museum. The council administered Fashion Museum has acquired the two exemplary examples of 1930s ‘haute couture' by celebrated Parisian designer Madeleine Vionnet. This outstanding pair are part of a collection of a total of nine evening dresses previously worn by the star who later went on to become Lady Foley. These dresses were in danger of being sold abroad, but have been saved from the trip across the pond. The collection of dresses has been divided between the Bath museum attraction and the Bowes Museum in County Durham and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The dresses were classed as unique because of the high quality of the pieces and the range of textiles and techniques used to create them. Culture secretary Ben Bradshaw used his powers to stop the exportation of these important pieces, believing them to be of museum qualtity and a part of the heritage of the land. The two dresses will be displayed from December and fashion students will also be able to view the pieces as they are being readied for exhibition in the museum. Lady Foley, who was actually a panellist on the 1950s TV program known as What's My Line? Was a six foot tall woman who was often described as one of the most beautiful women in the world. She passed away at the age of 77 in the year 2000.

Councillor Terry Gazzard, who is a cabinet member for the culture at Bath and North East Summerset Council, which runs the Assembly Rooms attraction was quoted as saying "The Fashion Museum is already designated by Government as a regional museum of international importance and these dresses will take their place in its collections alongside the work by some of the world's other top couturiers." The two dresses were purchased for £101,365, £50,000 of which comes from The Museums Libraries and Archives Council / V&A Purchase Grant Fund. The balance was made up by The Art Fund, which is an independent charity who gave £31,365 towards the purchase of the dresses and a council museum acquisitions fund, along with the West of England Costume Society and other private individuals and supporters. Stephen Bird, The Council head of Heritage Services, said they rely heavily on the donations and support from kind and generous benefactors, however, like any quality museum, they also have a modest acquisitions fund that they are able to use discerningly when they can lever in match funding and or grant aid in order to acquire an exceptional piece. The purchase of these two dresses have been the first such acquisitions for the Fashion Museum for nine years.

One dress is a 1934 full length evening gown made of cream silk tulle with a bodice that is decorated with intricate smocking. The other dress was made in 1938 and is created of white cotton organdie and is embroidered in white threat in large single sprig motifs of bouquets of flowers and sheaves of wheat.

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This article was written on behalf of Bailbrook Lodge providing Bath Bed and Breakfast ideal for a Short Breaks in Bath.

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