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Williamsburg Rose

Since the bridal gowns are predominantly white in color, Symborski is incorporating black silhouette-type heads for dramatic contrast with the authentic bridal dresses in the exhibit. With hairstyles fabricated of black netting, and fashioned to co-ordinate with the gowns of several different time periods, they impart a feeling of individual personalities and realism to the 'ladies' of the exhibit. Simplified tulle, flower, and lace veils representative of each bride's historic era complete the look.
Starting with simple armatures constructed of 2 x 4 lumber, the eight 'brides' and two 'guests' are padded up to just below the figure sizes, taken from extensive notes and measurements of the actual gowns, to approximate the ladies' sizes. Supportive structures are added as necessary for the dress: a modern hoopskirt and stuffed pad re-creates the look of an 1860's cage crinoline and 'balance pad' to give the proper hang to an early skirt. Modern fluffy net crinolines, wrapped with string from waist to knee, flare out at the bottom to provide the ruffled fullness for gowns once worn by the original Gibson Girls, and an 1880's dress uses quilt batting to substitute for a bustle, while a real wire bustle is exhibited nearby. Shoulder support is created by wide, children's plastic hangers, padded up to shape. The smaller child-sized hangers were used to accomodate the small-boned figures of the women who originally wore the clothing - today's adult shoulder width is much too wide, and regular hangers would tear through the garments sleeves!
For the lace and sheer gowns, the costume collection provides dainty white camisoles and cotton petticoats - pretty enough to almost see, and necessary to a lady's modesty! Other period undergarments are displayed in the bedrooms of the Mansion, matched to the bride shown in each room

Lynn Symborski has been enamored with historic costume since she was a student at Moore College of Art, where she studied illustration and design, and is currently a graphic artist using Macintosh computers. But, she says, her real love is historic clothing. With her husband John, she gives lecture-demonstrations on clothing of the Colonial and Victorian eras.

Knowledgeable on the styles of dress from the Renaissance to the 20th century, she recreates costumes for clients with many varied purposes and special occasions, from re-enactors to historic bridal and museum work in her business Williamsburg Rose. Recently she was asked to create a black silk "calash" bonnet from the 18th century for Mount Vernon, George and Martha Washington's Virginia home, where it will be displayed in the mansion.

This summer, John, Lynn, and their associates of the Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble will enliven the Grange with entertainment and Fashion at the June 13th Open House. Tapestry will present a performance of Victorian dances, including a Lancer's Quadrille, a Waltz Cotillion and dances by the 19th century Philadelphia dancemaster Charles Durang.

A 19th Century Fashion Promenade will also be presented during the afternoon.

A few of Tapestry's Dancers at a Victorian Afternoon outing