Private and ceremonial mourning dresses

Queen Victoria went into mourning in 1861 when her husband Prince Albert died from typhoid fever. Typically for a spouse you remain in mourning for two and a half years. The first year and a day was full mourning where plain black crepe was worn. The use of crepe was lessened over next nine months. In the third stage lusher fabrics were introduced and crepe was no longer worn. The final six months is called half mourning where purple, grey and trimmings such as lace, bows and rosettes were allowed.

While two and a half years was considered sufficient to mourn a spouse, Queen Victoria remained in morning for fifty years, until her death in 1901.

If you want to see one of Queen Victoria's mourning dresses, pop down to The Fashion Museum in Bath, where one has just gone on display.

Claire Browne & T.L.