I-11785.1 | James Taylor's wedding group, Montreal, QC, 1864
James Taylor's wedding group, Montreal, QC, 1864
William Notman (1826-1891)
1864, 19th century
Silver salts on paper mounted on paper - Albumen process
8.5 x 5.6 cm
Purchase from Associated Screen News Ltd.
I-11785.1
© McCord Museum
Description
Keywords: mixed (2246) , Photograph (77678) , portrait (53878)
Keys to History
This photograph commemorated an important milestone in a Victorian woman's life--marriage. Marriage marked the point when a young woman left the protection of her father's home to become the responsibility of her husband. She took with her a trousseau (a dowry of embroidered linens), her hopes and her domestic guides. She was finally to run her own household, to create a domestic haven for her family. The reality must have been sobering. Due to the limited number of domestic servants in Canada, it was likely that she would do much of the housework herself. Perhaps that is why Canadian women were much more enthusiastic about new technologies and labour-saving devices than their British sisters.
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What
This photograph shows Victorian bridal fashions. Queen Victoria popularized the white wedding dress when she was married in 1840.
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Where
The photograph is of a Montreal society wedding. The bride and bridesmaids are wearing co-ordinated gowns with very full skirts.
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When
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were married in 1864. A less formal photograph, taken three years later, shows them on snowshoes.
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Who
William Notman took the photograph at his Montreal studio.
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