Situated within the Whatcom Museum’s walls lives an exhibition titled “Vivid Victorian: Whatcom County Fashions from 1860–1900.” This showcase contains dresses and photographs from the Victorian era. As the women who wore these dresses were all from Whatcom County, it gives guests an intimate view of the time period like never before.
“I just love seeing the [dresses] up close. It can be a surprise to see how colorful they really were, because typically when we encounter these pieces of clothing, it’s through black and white photography,” says Adrienne Dawson, the director of marketing at the Whatcom Museum.
Photograph by Chloe Nelson
Naomi Whiting, a textile specialist and conservator, came up with the idea for the collection during her internship at the museum in the summer of 2023, when she was “assessing the museum’s collection.” When she got the official go-ahead and started doing research, it meant reading lots of books from the Bellingham Public Library.
“Researching the women was very difficult, because people don’t like to write things down, and they especially don’t like to write things down about women. It’s so frustrating,” says Whiting.
Photograph by Chloe Nelson
Most of the dresses in the exhibit are in excellent condition, as they are made up of durable wool and cotton. There is one glass case from the 1890s that showcases a silk dress, which is the only garment in the collection that subtly shows its age.
“Silk doesn’t like to exist,” says Whiting.
There are many workshops the museum has put on alongside the exhibit, including hair weaving taught by Diane Irby.
“The first class sold out before we even promoted it,” says Dawson.
Photograph courtesy of Whatcom Museum
Irby is teaching a second Victorian hairwork class on July 11, and Whiting is giving tours of the exhibit on the first Fridays of July and September. For All Free First Fridays, the museum offers free all-ages programming, free admission, and is open until 9 p.m., thanks to a grant from the Art Bridges Foundation!
The showcase is running until September 27. Head to Whatcom Museum’s website for more information! 250 Flora St., 121 Prospect St., Bellingham, 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org
