An exquisite collection of historic day dresses and accessories from the 1800s have gone on display at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh as part of the museum's latest exhibition, 'Pretty in Print'. The array of 19th century costume, which is on loan from the Ulster Museum, provides a wonderful insight into an era that produced one of the most dramatic transformations of the female silhouette as well as some of its most progressive and influential fabric designs.

Featuring almost a dozen dresses, many of the striking and vibrant patterns within this collection emphasize the particularly Victorian fascination with the natural world. This includes patterns with green seaweed motifs, geometric flowers, and fern designs as well as prints of roses, berries and green foliage. The exhibition also exposes visitors to the unusual colour combinations achieved during the mid 19th century. Sprigged and floral patterns are displayed with more abstract, and surprisingly modern-looking fabrics. The collection also includes nursing and maternity dresses and is complemented with a range of beautiful accessories including boots, bonnets and corsets. This includes a Russian painted leather bag, a gold cameo brooch, an engagement fan with mother of pearl sticks and three dolls made of china, bisque and papier mache.

The collection is also an excellent illustration of the increasing fullness of the skirt during the mid 19th century. The skirts, padded out with numerous petticoats were increasingly cumbersome until the invention of the crinoline cage during the 1860's. Although this had the advantage of lightening the weight of the dress, the fashionable width of the skirt became even more extreme.

'Pretty in Print' will run at the Ulster American Folk Park until 18th January, 2008. For further information about the exhibition contact the museum on 028 8224 3292 or log on to folkpark.com.