A 19th-century mourning outfit will feature as the Whanganui Regional Museum’s September Outfit of the Month. The striking black ensemble, associated with the customs of Victorian mourning, will be the focus of a free public talk by Pou Tiaki/Collections & Curatorial Lead Trish Nugent-Lyne on Friday, 5 September at 12.15pm.

The silk brocade bodice and skirt, likely worn by Harriette Mary Tripe (née Bell) after the death of her husband in 1899, is an example of the strict mourning practices observed in Victorian and Edwardian society. Harriette’s husband, a well-known dentist, was struck with diphtheria and died in 1899 at only 38 years of age. As reported in the New Zealand Mail at the time, ‘Mr Tripe was very popular, and his sudden demise caused a painful shock to the community.’ He left his wife and two children: one six years of age and the other, the donor of the dress, only five months old.

In the late 19th century, mourning attire was a social expectation, particularly for widows. Black garments—often elaborate in fabric and decoration—signified grief while also communicating respectability and adherence to social norms. Women were sometimes expected to remain in mourning dress for years, with styles evolving as their period of bereavement progressed.

Harriette was just 30 years old when she became a widow but went on to live a full life of nearly 90 years. The story of Harriette and her dress will be explored in a free lunchtime talk led by Pou Tiaki/Collections & Curatorial Lead Trish Nugent-Lyne, supported by Harriette Tripe’s great grandson, Mayor of Whanganui Andrew Tripe. ‘Clothing is never just clothing—it carries memory, identity, and sometimes deep emotion. This mourning dress also reminds us that fashion can also reflect the social customs that shaped women’s lives,’ says Trish.

The dress will remain on display throughout September as part of the Museum’s ongoing Outfit of the Month series. Admission to the talk is free, with koha welcomed to support the Museum’s heritage preservation work.