Wedding accessories from the Nugée family Many wedding artefacts are preserved because marriage is so significant an event in the lives of the participants. Some pass from one generation to the next, becoming family heirlooms. The Nugée family kept this group of fragile objects because of their importance to the family history. The objects conjure up the romantic prettiness typical of many Victorian weddings. Shoes Chapelle Paris, France 1854 Silk satin, cotton and leather V&A: T.4:1, 2-2008 Wreath Britain 1854 Feather and silk-wrapped wire V&A: T.6-2008 Wedding favours Britain 1854 Cotton, silk, paper and wire V&A: T.7, 8-2008 Bridesmaid's fan Britain 1854 Paper leaf with metal spangles, wooden sticks and guards Associated with the wedding of Elizabeth Wroughton Richards and Reverend Andrew Nugée, 8 August 1854 V&A: T.14-2008 Shoes France or Britain 1887 Silk satin, cotton and leather Associated with the wedding of Edith Elizabeth Alston and Francis Edward Nugée, son of Andrew and Elizabeth Nugée, 1887 V&A: T.5:1, 2-2008 Collection given by Edward Nugée QC [2011] Pair of wedding shoes, white silk satin straights with silk ribbons and small bows, leather soles, Chapelle, Paris, 1854 Flat soled 'slipper' shoes were made with minimal variation for over 50 years. They were widely worn between 1800 and 1850, after which time they gradually fell out of fashion. They were not made to stand up to much wear, with their delicate fabric and thin leather soles. Shoes such as this would usually have been reserved for indoor wear, evening dress or special occasions. This cream silk satin pair has survived in pristine condition, and appears to have been barely worn, if at all. They are associated with the 1854 marriage of Elizabeth Wroughton Richards to the Reverend Andrew Nugée. The bride's wedding wreath also survives (see T.6-2008). These shoes were made in Paris by a shoemaker called Chapelle. They would have been imported for sale in shops across Europe. This style of shoe, without left or right foot shaping, is called 'straights'. To assist the wearer, there are two small paper labels inside reading 'Gauche' (French for left) and 'Droite' (right). Ready to wear White silk satin slippers, straights with silk ribbons and small bows. Leather soles, lined with white kid for insole and back of shoe, with cotton lining to toe.