BRIDAL GOWN FROM PICTURE IN NATIONAL GALLERY

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 254, 17 January 1928, Page 4

BRIDAL GOWN FROM PICTURE IN NATIONAL GALLERY

PICTURESQUE DESIGN FOR LADY MARY THYNNE ' QUAINT PAGES From an early 14th century picture in the National Gallery Mr. Norman Hartnell derived the inspiration which enabled him to design for Lady Mary Thynne one of the most picturesque gowns ever worn by a bride. Mr. Hartnell is a young dress designer. He was interested in the

artistry of clothes before he left Magdalene College, Cambridge, and he. designed the .suits worn by the pages and the frocks of little girls in the bridal procession at St. Margaret's, Westminster, London, when Lady Mary Thynne married Lord Nunburnhoime. Ivory Panne Velvet “The picture of ‘The Marriage of the Virgin,' by an Italian master, in the National Gallery, gave me the idea for the bodice,, of the wedding dress,” Mr. Hartnell rold a Press representative. “The design for the rest of the gown was, however, entirely original.” The drees was made in ivory panne velvet, with a very full skirt attached to a long plain bodice. The long sleeves and the high neck-line were outlined with embroidery of pearls and silver. The skirt touched the ground, but there was a very long train of velvet, in which there was a design of Gothic arches in silver tissue. Lady Mary Thynne 'wore a veil of old family lace and a narrow wreath of orange blossom. The three pages, the Hon. Michael Plunket and Masters Martin Stanley and Peter Rollo, wore white silk trunk hose, silver doublets and tabards bearing the arms of their various families. Hundreds of Presents Three little girls accompanied tlie boys—the Hon. Cynthia Keppel, Miss Marise Wilson and Miss Lavinia S2*a\vStuart. They wore ankle-length frocks of silver tissue, with wreaths of for-get-me-nots. Lady Mary Thynne was one of Princess Mary's bridesmaids, and also attended the Duchess of York at her wedding. It is estimated that a record crowd of 5,000 people waited outside St. Margaret’s to witness the wedding. The bride is considered to be one of the most beautiful girls in society, and on that account alone her name would soon have become a household word. v Among the hundreds of wedding presents received were gifts from various members of the Royal Family. Tlie King and Queen sent a ruby and diamond brooch, Princess Mary gave an antique lacquer clock, and the Duchess of York sent a diamond brooch, in addition to thjp shagreen inkstand which came as a joint present from her and the Duke. PONSONBY CROQUET CLUB A delightful afternoon was spent on Saturday, when Mrs. R. Cox entertained the members of the Ponsonby Croquet Club, on the club lawns. Progressive croquet was played and the hostess provided afternoon tea and prizes. Mrs. Worsfold.. president, on behalf of the members, thanked Mrs. Cox for her generosity. The prizes were won as follows; —A Grade: Ist. Mrs. Gallaher; consolation, Mrs. C. Johnstone. B Grade: Ist, Mrs. Gill; consolation, Mrs. Falconer.