Celebrating Baptism - Ancient and Modern

To celebrate its Patron Saint’s Day, the parish church of St Bartholomew, Llanover, organised a weekend exhibition of christening gowns, memorabilia and flowers.

The exhibition, entitled “Ancient and Modern”, was the brain child of Churchwarden Jilly Jones who was inspired by a pair of embroidered booties worn by the great granddaughter of two of the parishioners.

Around forty exhibits were on display, ranging in date from the 19th Century to the booties worn in 2007. They included a gown sent in a Red Cross parcel from Sweden during the Second World War and one which was a gift from Boots the Chemist to a child baptised on the same day as Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Phillips.

Not only was the quality of the needlework magnificent but the social history associated with many of gowns was fascinating.

Over two hundred people visited the exhibition, and the weekend ended with a Festival Songs of Praise.

Revd Dr Stephen James