Treasured Gowns to be Televised

ON Sunday night ABC TV News will feature a story on wedding gowns from the Upper Hunter.

Rebecca Bowman, a local social historian has spent the last 18 months photographing treasured wedding gowns in the Upper Hunter and recording the stories of the brides who wore them, after her interest was sparked from a neighbour’s Facebook post.

“My good friend and neighbour put a picture on Facebook of her wedding gown saying ‘this was the last thing her mother gave to her before she died, that’s why I treasure it’,  and the comments and responses to this gown were just so heartfelt and I started to seek women from church and the CWA (country women’s association) and then throughout the whole Upper Hunter to tell stories about their gowns; gowns that were worn here, or gowns that are now here in the Upper Hunter,” said Ms Bowman.

Since then Rebecca with the support of local photographer Amanda Ray, have profiled nearly 160 gowns dating between 1878 and 1978.

“I’m having such a ball finding people who have these treasured gowns packed away under the spare bed

“Photographing them to treasure them, before they are lost and speaking to the brides or family members who wore them.

Rebecca is still searching for more treasured gowns throughout the Upper Hunter: 0447 740 256 or email: b_r_bowman@hotmail.com.au.