Written by: Kaitlyn Munro
This darling wedding ensemble was worn by Louise Whitney Whitehurst at her wedding to Walter Leon Stafford in Norfolk, Virginia May 30, 1928. With a matching cloche and art deco style purse. Louise must have been quite a charming bride on her special day.
A very practical dress like this was most likely used in the bride’s regular wardrobe after the wedding. The lovely shade of rose popular in the 20’s lends itself to daily or special occasion wear. The damage to the shoulders of the silk georgette under dress and holes at the shoulders of the lace layer suggests frequent use. Another sign that this dress was worn after the wedding is an area of leftover stitching on the underdress that shows how the pleated layer was moved down to a longer length.
Since the dress is going to be displayed in a museum exhibit on a mannequin, the shoulder damage needed to be addressed and repaired so it would once again be strong enough to support the dress. To accomplish this, a supportive under bodice was created based on a pattern made using measurements of the bodice. This under bodice was then attached to under dress and the damage fragments at the shoulder were stitched down to prevent any further damage.
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- Damage to shoulder
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- Close-up of shoulder with underbodice support
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- Underdress with under bodice support structure.
The cloche arrived at the studio in a flat and crushed state and was brought back to life using a conservation rehydration technique that involved a humidification chamber. The process was closely monitored as the cloche was reshaped.
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- Cloche pre-treatment
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- Cloche post-treatment
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- Couched cording detail on front of purse
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- Conservation netting on back of purse
The art deco style couched cord purse was in beautiful condition on the front but the plain silk back had a significant amount of damage. Conservation netting was sewn down to keep the loose threads in place and protect it form any future damage.
It is always so rewarding to see pieces like these come to life again. We can see why Louise chose this outfit to wear on her wedding day!
I have my grandmother’s wedding dress, lace over silk I think. My mother kept it for years in a cedar chest, so it was a bit crunchy and brown when I got it. I carefully washed it and have it stored in an acid free box. Alas, it is so small I don’t think it will fit my daughter.
Great story and gorgeous outfit for a discerning lady. Congratulations on the conservation work
It must be a lucky dress. She lived so long! And they were married 48 years. Elizabeth City, Church Street
Louise Whitehurst Stafford
Louise Whitehurst Stafford, 101, of 468 Caratoke Highway, Moyock, NC died Tuesday, March 13, 2007, at her residence. She was born in Hickory, VA to the late Timothy and Gertrude Whitney Whitehurst and was the wife of the late Walter Leon Stafford, who preceded her in death March 12, 1976. Mrs. Stafford was a former schoolteacher, and worked with her husband at the W. L. Stafford buyer of Grain in Moyock, N. C. and was a member of the Moyock Baptist Church.
Mrs. Stafford is survived by one daughter, Evonne S. Pruden of Moyock, N.C. and two sisters, Mary W. Buckwalter and Doris W. Poe both of Chesapeake, VA. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth W. White, Katherine W. Tyndell, Margaret Whitehurst, and one brother William Whitehurst.
A funeral service will be conducted Friday, March 16, 2007 at 2:00 P. M. in Twiford’s Memorial Chapel, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, N.C. with Rev. Vic Ramsey and Rev. Walter Jones officiating. Burial will follow in South Mills Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Moyock Baptist Church Fellowship Hall following the committal service at the South Mills Cemetery, and other time at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to the Moyock Baptist Church, P. O. Box 267, Moyock, NC 27958. The family would like to offer a special thanks to Albemarle Hospice, Margaret Garrett and Edith Harrison for their loving care during Mrs. Stafford illness. Twiford Funeral Home, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, N.C. is assisting the Stafford family with arrangements. You may sign the online guest register at http://www.twifordfh.com. 252-335-4395
I love the dress and the incredible work put into it to make it look still so “fresh”
My compliments to Julia!
Fascinating. You bring history to life.
Always love seeing what the CFT team are up to.
Thanks for sharing this lovely treatment and story.
Thanks for sharing, Julia and team. You do such exquisite work! It’s such a treat to see the before and after photos.
Good job. Beautifully accomplished.