Iceland review - 2014, Page 32

30 ICELAND REVIEW
I like to call it Ófeigur, which means ‘indestructi-
ble.’ What it has seen and survived is absolutely
amazing. Also, we know who owned it as well
as when it was brought to England, where it had been
for 150 years before we realized that it still existed,”
says Sigrún Helgadóttir of the Icelandic bridal outfit,
which for 150 years has been stored in the archives of
the V&A, the world’s leading museum of art and design.
“Most importantly, this is the oldest remaining complete
faldbúningur with all its original parts including silver and
riding coat.”
Originally owned by a member of Iceland’s most
prominent family of the 18th century, the outfit is made
of precious velvet, wool, silk ribbon and plain woven
linen, gilt braid and gilt silver. It is in the general style
of Icelandic festive costumes from the period, but
extremely rich in decoration and silver jewelry. A part
of the silver dates back to the 16th century, including a
massive reliquary cross.
In her new book Faldar og skart, Sigrún, a natural
scientist, teacher and writer, traces the story of the fald-
búningur and other Icelandic costumes, focusing on this
particular outfit, which almost 50 years ago ignited her
passion for the subject.
“I saw it for the first time in 1968 at an exhibition
at the National Museum of Iceland. I had been inter-
ested in the Icelandic costumes since childhood; I was a
member of the Folk Dance Association and the women
of my family wore them on special occasions. But until
the 1968 exhibition, I didn’t know that this type of cos-
tume existed. I remember being utterly awestruck.” In
connection with her book, Sigrún was received by the
V&A Museum where she was reunited with the dress.
“Of course I knew it quite well from photographs but
seeing it again with my own eyes almost brought me
to tears!”
WOrN fOr 350 yEArS
First appearing in illustrated manuscripts from the
15th century, the faldbúningur is the original Icelandic
female costume. “Consisting of a long skirt and vest
and a tight long-sleeved jacket, it was a convenient
costume—it could be tightened or widened according
Carefully wrapped in silk paper, at the V&A Museum in London
lays an exquisite 250-year-old bridal outfit, the oldest
known Icelandic women’s costume in existence.
And the story behind it is absolutely extraordinary.
NatioNal treasure
BY Ásta anDRésDóttiR PORtRAIt BY PÁll stefÁnssOn
OtHER IMAGES COURtESY OF the natiOnal MUseUM Of icelanD