Gypsy And Traveller wedding dress at the centre of new textile exhibition Leeds

Gypsy And Traveller wedding dresses wedding dress at the centre of new textile exhibition Leeds 

We are proud to be part of For the Love of Textiles, the current exhibition at Sunny Bank Mills Gallery. 

At the centre of the exhibition are the stunning wedding and bridesmaid dresses, kindly loaned by one of our member families. These dresses are much more than clothes. They hold special memories, tell family stories and show traditions that have been passed down through generations. 

They also show amazing skill and craftsmanship. Styles and fashions change over time, and these dresses reflect those changes, just like wedding outfits in every community. 

We are delighted to see these dresses displayed as works of art and treated with the care and respect they deserve. 

Working with Sunny Bank Mills has helped us build new friendships and connections. The exhibition has brought people together through visits to the gallery and creative workshops with our young people during Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. 

Gypsy and Traveller weddings are about family, love and being together. Like everyone else, Gypsy and Traveller communities follow different fashions and trends, and each generation has its own style. Sadly, the media have created stereotypes and negative views about Gypsy and Traveller people.  These do not tell the full story. They often focus on drama instead of showing the real lives, traditions and cultures of these communities. 

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month is a chance to celebrate these cultures and make sure they are seen, heard and valued. Although they are often talked about together, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people are different groups, each with their own history and traditions. 

Thank you to Sunny Bank Mills Gallery for giving these dresses a place where they can be admired and appreciated. 

For the Love of Textiles is open until 28 June. 

📍 Sunny Bank Mills Gallery 83-85 Town street Farsley Pudsey LS28 5UJ 
🕙 Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm
🎟️ Free entry 

We hope you can come and see this beautiful exhibition for yourself.  

Learn more here – Sunny Bank Mills | Art Gallery & Business Space in Leeds