Bodice worn by Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria wore mourning clothes from the time of her husband Prince Albert's death in 1861 for the rest of her life. This bodice is a rare example of her clothing from a period of her life where few of her clothes survive. Although her mourning clothes were often entirely black, they were beautifully made. Embellishment like the crepe fabric and beads on this bodice created interest within the rules and customs of mourning dress etiquette.

All of the bodices of her mourning clothes have a small pocket or two at the waistline with a cord across one. They may have been used to secure and store small items such as keys or spectacles. This arrangement shows the value she may have placed on practicality in her clothes.

Her sombre wardrobe reflected her complete emotional devastation following her husband's death and was also reflected in the dress worn in her household. Observation of mourning was so frequent and strict that one Maid of Honour noted that it was better 'never, never to buy anything but black!'. Although it was a style born out of grief, it made the Queen instantly recognisable. It gave her a consistent look that was reproduced in photographs, prints, paintings and sculptures all over the world.