This beautiful ball gown was designed by local dressmaker Madame Clapham in the late nineteenth century. It was worn by Marian Richardson during her time as Mayoress of Hull. The dress is mauve and cream silk brocade, decorated with sequins, pearls and glass beads on a fine silver braid.
About the wearer
Marian Richardson was born in Hull in 1862. She became the wife of Councillor Charles Richardson in 1888. Marian was Mayoress of Hull between 1893 and 1896, when this dress was made for her.
In 1909, Marian stood for council election. She was deeply committed to social issues including a municipal milk supply and improved sanitation, lodging houses for poor women, education for the poor and free lunches for children. She also supported the Victoria Hospital for Sick Children on Park Street, Hull.
About Madame Clapham
Mrs Emily Clapham opened a dressmaking salon in Hull in 1887, which by the 1890s was highly regarded. She even competed with the London fashion houses of the time. Which was unusual for a local businesswoman with no premises outside the city. She maintained a respectable quality of clientele, the most high-profile of which was Queen Maud of Norway.
Despite being very proud of her international success, Madame Clapham was committed to her local clients. In a rare interview in 1902 she said, “I take a great interest in the Hull ladies, and it is always my endeavour to cultivate the home trade.”
Madame Clapham's salon continued to trade until she died in 1952. Her niece then took on the salon until 1967.
Discover more about Madame Clapham
You can learn more about Madame Clapham’s dresses and her life in fashion with these curator-led videos.
