Vintage Costume and Memories

Many people comment on the stack of old photographs that I usually have somewhere on my stand at fairs. The sight of a black and white picture stirs memories, and the usual remark is “How sad, who are these unknown people?”

The same can be said for selling Vintage clothing. One might dwell on the question of who wore the garments and to which special occasion? In general it is the “best” dresses, hats or coats that survive the years as they have been cared for, and stored away.

Recently I met a lovely lady who had some clothing that she wanted to place in the Dreweatts and Bloomsbury auction in Bristol. She showed me dresses and silk dressing gowns that had been carefully placed into boxes with tissue paper layers to protect them that had been put away by her Aunt over 40 years ago.

Amongst the collection was a wedding dress, lovingly folded within its own box, along with a photograph of the wedding day. The story was a poignant one.

The Aunt had been a nurse for many years and had worked alongside a man who she adored. They were finally able to marry in the 1960s, but tragically he died just 10 months after the wedding.

We both felt emotional at the thought of such a life, waiting all those years for the chance to wear the beautiful dress on such a momentous day, and then having such a short time together.

The vendor kindly copied these photographs for me. The first one shows her Aunt in her nurses uniform and the Doctor who she worked with.

The second is taken on the happy day when they were married.

I come across many collections of costume and textiles whilst working for the auction, but very few of them have a story to tell as the information has usually been lost.
 On Thursday May 23^rd. The Collectors sale will take place at the saleroom in Baynton Road Bristol. The Textile and costume section has over 100 lots of assorted treasures, most of which have come from private sources and will be seeing the light of day for the first time in many years.

Viewing is on Wednesday 22nd from 10.30 to 6 pm and on the morning of the sale from 9am.

Live bidding on-line is also available via the saleroom.com.

The catalogue can be viewed on-line here.