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Title: South Somerset Heritage Collection awarded grant to conserve historic dress

Yeovil Town Council’s South Somerset Heritage Collection (SSHC) is delighted to announce it has been awarded a £2,750 ‘On Display’ grant from Museum Development South West, thanks to support from Arts Council England. The grant will be used to conserve and display a remarkable purple silk dress.

The dress belonged to Emily Read of Buckhorn Weston, Dorset. Emily was the daughter of George Read, the village wheel wright and carpenter and his wife, Elizabeth (formerly Shute). Emily was baptised in Buckhorn Weston on 28 February 1857 and was one of 13 children, all of whom survived, born whilst they were living in the Tunnel Head area. By 1871, Emily’s father had added landlord of the Crown Inn to his list of occupations.

On January 4, 1883, Emily wore the purple silk dress when she married Charles Coombs, a local postman. The couple had nine children, and Emily lived in Buckhorn Weston until her passing on September 8, 1940.

The grant will cover the conservation work by trained specialist and costume conservator, Morwena Stephens, based in Exeter, who will assess and preserve the dress. The funding will also provide for a conservation-grade mannequin to display the garment. Additionally, Morwena will lead a dress-mounting workshop for SSHC volunteers. Once conservation is complete, the dress is set to be exhibited at venues such as Yeovil Art Space or Yeovil Library.

Joseph Lewis, Heritage Co-ordinator, expressed his excitement: “This is a significant milestone for the South Somerset Heritage Collection. It’s the first time we’ve secured funding to conserve and display a textile item, and this dress is a standout piece. With links to the Yeovil-based company Damon & Co and Emily Coombs’ story, the grant is truly transformative. We’re thrilled to share this beautiful silk dress and its history with the community.”

About Museum Development South West
Museum Development South West are museum and heritage development specialists working with the museum and heritage sector in the south west of England to effect positive, lasting change and deliver public value. Together we create opportunities which build confidence and skills, encourage innovation, and celebrate our heritage and culture. Find out more about the programme here: www.southwestmuseums.org.uk

Update image from December 2024

Arts Council Logo Museum Development SW Logo.



Credit to Arts Council Museum Development SW