Sadly not all of them were suitable to be displayed as these were some of the oldest and most delicate pieces from the 1920s and it most cases the heaviest too with all that beading! So unfortunately we couldn't risk the dresses not standing up to hanging from a dress form and possibly shedding beads and deteriorating the already delicate fabric.
Luckily though we found a few more robust pieces in the collection and these will be on display in our flapper corner, and some more intricate beading on display in a case.
Flapper dresses are only part of the story of 1920s fashion, but one that seems to have really caught people's imaginations and have become an icon of that era.
If you are lucky enough to own your own original 1920s flapper dress then it's worth knowing a few things about storing it properly to preserve its life. Remember to store it flat in a box wrapped in acid free tissue paper, away from heat or light sources, as the museum does. These dresses don't survive if hung from hangers as the weight of the beading will eventually cause tears at the top of the dresses. Never be tempted to wash these dresses especially if they have sequins on them, these will dissolve in water (and just heat!) as early sequins were made from gelatine!
Here's a few teaser photos of just some of the amazing 1920s beaded dresses in the County collection. As you can see the vibrancy of the glass beading and embroidery hasn't faded and some of the designs are so intricate!
You'll have to wait and see which ones we've chosen when the exhibition opens on
Saturday 12th July!
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