Love: A History of Welsh Courtship and Marriage

Start date

09-05-23

End date

29-08-23

Venue

Carmarthenshire Museum

Hidden amongst Carmarthenshire Museum’s collections are tokens of love that give an insight into the courting customs unique to Wales. In this exhibition we explore the stories behind these traditions, and whilst love has remained constant, how it has been expressed and celebrated over the years has mirrored the changes in society.

Exhibition Highlights

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Lilac Wedding Dress and Pinstripe Suit

Wedding dress worn locally at Abergwili Parish Church on 25 September 1940. Find out why the bride may have been the luckiest in Wales!

Man’s suit worn by Mr Thomas, from Carmarthen, on his wedding day in 1942. But why was it hardly worn from then on…?

Wedding Quilt

Stunning white cotton quilt made in St Clears in the nineteenth century. Visit to admire the fabulous fans, hearts, and ‘Welsh Pear’ patterns.

China Fairing

What’s the story behind this unusual and cheeky love token? Made in the second half of the nineteenth century, fairings were popular in rural communities.

Lovespoons

Lovespoons are one of the most popular and well-known love tokens gifted in Wales. Come to view them up close to appreciate the fine example of local craftsmanship.

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