As regular readers of “By the Bremer:Memories of Ipswich” would probably be aware, the images that are used on this site come from a wonderful library resource called Picture Ipswich. Now with over 10,000 images, Picture Ipswich provides a unique insight into the local history of Ipswich – its people, families, places and way of life. These images tell a story of how the city grew from its beginnings to the present day and represent an important historical resource for anyone interested in the history of the Ipswich.

Recently, staff at the Ipswich Central Library were working on a local history display and were once again reminded of how these images and their accompanying descriptions tell a story about the people of this region. As we looked at the many marvellous wedding photographs available through Picture Ipswich we were impressed by the quality of the images from decades ago and the array of different styles in wedding attire. For instance :

This formal portrait of the bridal party of George and Alice Edna McLean (nee Mieland) was taken by a photographer at Whitehead Studios. Alice was attended by her sister Ione Mieland and cousin Leila Clem, while Arthur Marshall was George’s groomsman and Harold Bernoth was best man. An account of the wedding ceremony was published in the Brisbane Courier on 24 December 1929 and provides interesting details about this important family occasion. Friends of the bride decorated the Methodist Church at Brassall and Mrs C McKay made a wedding bell that hung above the bridal couple. The wedding occurred on December 21 and was solemnised by Reverend W. Shenton. Mrs H. Hayes played the organ and Miss Ethel Chesters performed a solo during the signing of the register.

Bridal party of George and Alice Edna McLean (nee Mieland), Ipswich, 1929 – Image Courtesy of Picture Ipswich

 

This newspaper story also included descriptions of the wedding attire of the bride and bridesmaids. Alice’s frock was made of white satin beauté and lace and the bodice featured a yoke of lace. She carried a bouquet of roses and carnations and her Brussels net veil was worn in Madonna fashion, with posies of orange blossom on the side. Alice’s bridesmaids wore matching dresses of daffodil mariette with flared skirts that fell slightly longer at the back. Their hats were of gold guipure and they carried shower bouquets of gerberas and gladiolus.

Alice McLean (nee Mieland) with her bridesmaides, Leila Clem and Ione Mieland, Ipswich, 1929 – Image Courtesy of Picture Ipswich

If you would like to discuss donating images to Picture Ipswich, please contact the Digital Archivist on (+61) (07) 3810 7272 or email . The images are scanned and returned to the owner. The library does not retain the physical photograph. With the help of the larger community the Picture Ipswich site can continue to provide a historical record of the lives and times of Ipswich.