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The Next Chapter: Journeys of Auction Treasures | Preserving Bridal History: Ursula Mary Lawley’s Wedding Dress Acquired by Historic Royal Palaces

The Next Chapter: Journeys of Auction Treasures | Preserving Bridal History: Ursula Mary Lawley’s Wedding Dress Acquired by Historic Royal Palaces

The Next Chapter: Journeys of Auction Treasures | Preserving Bridal History: Ursula Mary Lawley’s Wedding Dress Acquired by Historic Royal Palaces

In 2019, Dreweatts had the privilege of offering the remarkable collection of Eustace Gibbs, 3rd Baron Wraxall, KCVO, CMG. A descendant of one of Britain’s most distinguished Victorian families, Lord Wraxall was the second son of George Gibbs, 1st Baron Wraxall, and the Hon. Ursula Mary Lawley. His collection offered a fascinating convergence of family heirlooms gathered across four generations.

One fascinating piece from the collection was the wedding dress of his mother, Ursula - a gown that captured the attention of Historic Royal Palaces and has since found a new home in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Hampton Court Palace. Having since undergone conservation, it is now on public display for the first time as part of Dress Codes, the latest exhibition at Kensington Palace, running from Thursday 13 March - Sunday 30 November 2025.

Inline Image - The Hon. Ursula Lawley's Wedding Dress, by Handley-Seymour, London, circa 1927 | Image courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces
The Hon. Ursula Lawley's Wedding Dress, by Handley-Seymour, London, circa 1927 | Image courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces
Inline Image - Portrait of Lady Lawley by Miss Kate Harris (fl. 1905-08)
Portrait of Lady Lawley by Miss Kate Harris (fl. 1905-08)
Inline Image - The Hon. Ursula Lawley's Wedding Dress, by Handley-Seymour, London, circa 1927, along with a lace overlay train, a tulle veil and heeled brocaded shoes with ankle straps
The Hon. Ursula Lawley's Wedding Dress, by Handley-Seymour, London, circa 1927, along with a lace overlay train, a tulle veil and heeled brocaded shoes with ankle straps
Inline Image - The wedding outfit underwent meticulous conservation at Historic Royal Palaces under the guidance of textile conservator Anne-Marie Britton | Image courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces
The wedding outfit underwent meticulous conservation at Historic Royal Palaces under the guidance of textile conservator Anne-Marie Britton | Image courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces
Inline Image - Image courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces
Image courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces
Inline Image - Image courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces
Image courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces
Inline Image - The wedding outfit on display at 'Dress Codes' at Kensington Palace | Image courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces
The wedding outfit on display at 'Dress Codes' at Kensington Palace | Image courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces

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