The Daylesford Museum is home to a remarkable piece of history: an exquisite 1880s wedding dress, lovingly preserved and restored thanks to the dedicated efforts of conservator Larry Edwards. The stunning gown, once worn by Sarah Hosking at her 1885 marriage to Benjamin Trewhella, was donated to the museum by Judy Wilson, a descendant of the Trewhella family from the Trentham area.
Judy Wilson with the dress she inherited from the Trewhella family, now restored and on display in the Daylesford Museum. (Photo supplied)
After receiving the dress, Larry meticulously assessed its condition and determined that, despite its fragile state, it could be restored. The process was no small feat. Over 110 painstaking hours, Larry cleaned and rehydrated the fabric, repaired delicate holes, and sourced authentic Victorian lace from England to replace missing sections. The gown, made from cotton, silk, lace, and linen, required careful attention to bring it back to its original splendour. A specially sized Victorian mannequin, complete with a bustle and frilled petticoat, was acquired to properly display the dress.
In October 2024, after months of restoration work, the dress was unveiled in the Museum’s Lelean Room. Larry delivered two presentations detailing the conservation process, both of which were attended by members of the Daylesford community and the Trewhella family. The wedding dress remains on display in a custom-built case, accompanied by an informative PowerPoint presentation and historical panels that continue to attract visitors, from history enthusiasts to professional conservators.
For those interested in learning more about this incredible restoration, the Museum is hosting a special event on Tuesday, March 18. Museum Victoria practitioners will visit to meet Larry Edwards, who will give a detailed talk at 11:00 am on the intricate process of restoring and preserving the wedding dress. The museum will remain open until 1:30 PM for guests to explore the display. This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into the meticulous world of textile conservation and to appreciate the skill and dedication required to bring historical garments back to life.
For event details and registration, visit https://www.amagavic.org.au/events/daylesford-hs-tour.
