Step Back in Style: Century-Old Shell-Embroidered Dress Shines Briefly

A unique and historic dress is now being displayed at Lanhydrock, a country house near Bodmin in Cornwall. This dress, known as the Cockleshell Dress, was created to celebrate the beginning of the 20th century. It is made from pale cream silk and is beautifully embroidered with bronze thread. The embroidery features different types of shells, such as cockleshells and periwinkles. Around the waist, there is a thick band of golden gauzy fabric, which is tied in a neat bow. The sleeves are puffy and elasticated above the elbow, then change into cream lace. There is also a cream silk sash pinned across one shoulder, with the year 1900 embroidered on it in brown and a gold-colored fringe.

The Cockleshell Dress was worn by Mary Vere Agar-Robartes, the eldest daughter of Thomas Charles Reginald Agar-Robartes and Mary Dickinson. Mary lived at Lanhydrock from 1879 to 1946. She wore this dress to mark the arrival of a new century, making it a very special piece of clothing. The dress was recently restored by the National Trust's textile conservators, who worked carefully to bring it back to its original beauty. Nicola Heald, who manages the collections and the house, explained that the dress can only be displayed for a short time, from August 28 to September 27. This is because the fabric is very sensitive to light and could be damaged if exposed for too long.

Nicola Heald also mentioned that the design of the dress might have been inspired by the nursery rhyme 'Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary,' which mentions 'silver bells and cockle shells. ' She said that this dress is not just a beautiful piece of clothing, but also a part of the family's history. It helps bring to life the story of Mary and her family at the turn of the century. Visitors to Lanhydrock have a rare opportunity to see the dress up close and appreciate the detailed craftsmanship. The display is a special event, giving people a chance to connect with the past and learn more about fashion and family life in the early 1900s.