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Join Kate Cadman, Collections Curator at Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust (IGMT), for a compelling Twilight Tales talk exploring the etiquette of Victorian mourning attire. This session features original garments and jewellery from IGMT’s Collections, offering a rare glimpse into the fashion of grief during the 19th century.

One of the most iconic images of the era is Queen Victoria, dressed in black mourning attire worn for forty years following the death of Prince Albert. Her example, combined with high mortality rates, helped shape a dedicated fashion industry around mourning. Strict conventions particularly for women dictated everything from the fabrics and colours to the jewellery worn during periods of bereavement.

This talk will unravel the symbolism and social expectations behind mourning dress, highlighting how grief was expressed through clothing and accessories. Attendees will gain insight into the cultural and historical significance of these practices, brought to life through authentic artefacts and expert interpretation.

Part of IGMT’s Twilight Tales series, this event explores the darker, stranger, and more unusual stories from history and the museum’s Collections, making it a must-attend for those interested in fashion history, social customs, and Victorian culture.