An exquisite collection of original day dresses and accessories from the 1800s are currently on display at one of Ulster’s prettiest National Trust houses, Springhill, in Moneymore.

‘Pretty in Print’ - a priceless array of 19th-century costumes provides a wonderful insight into an era that produced one of the most dramatic transformations of the female silhouette. The dresses are all printed silks and cottons and feature some prints which look surprisingly contemporary for a 150-200 year vintage piece.

Many of the striking and vibrant patterns within this unique collection emphasise the Victorian fascination with nature as patterns include green seaweed motifs, geometric flowers, fern designs as well as speckled prints of roses and berries.

It was fashionable to wear unusual colour combinations and abstract floral patterns on surprisingly modern-looking, fabrics. There will be nursing and maternity dresses on display along with a range of beautiful accessories including handbags, boots, bonnets and corsets; in particular, a Russian painted leather bag and a gold cameo brooch.

The collection is an excellent illustration of the classic bell shape which was à la mode with its natural waistline and varying sleeve lengths. Skirts were padded out with numerous petticoats until the invention of the crinoline cage during the 1860s.  Although this had the advantage of lightening the weight of the dress, the fashionable width of the skirt became even more extreme.  

Helen McEnaney, in-house curator at Springhill, said: 'This is a fantastic exhibition featuring real objects that evoke so much about their former owners. A dress in particular tells us a great deal about someone and the time they lived in, it tells of fashionable traits, international trade and social etiquette. Our visitors can experience the colour, vibrancy and style of dress up close and personal.'

• Pretty in Print will be on display at Springhill until the end of September 2008.  

The Heritage Lottery Fund proudly supports the Ulster Museum Outreach Exhibition Pretty in Print at Springhill.