In
July of 1981 my parents took my sisters and I on vacation. I can
still recall being in a hotel in Toronto and watching parts of
a wedding on television. I can see the enormous train flowing
behind her… the couple riding in the carriage… the kiss on the
balcony.
It
is one of those always-remember-where-you-were moments... the
Royal Wedding of Charles and Diana.
In
September of 2011, I had an opportunity to attend two special
events for an exhibition called Diana: A Celebration.
These moments included an uncrating ceremony for the wedding dress
as well as a media tour of the exhibition itself. I am thrilled
to be able to share these pictures from those days with you.
Let's
begin with a quick thought... the most famous dress in the world.
I can
only think of two that could be considered for such an honor.
As
soon as I say Marilyn… I don’t even need to finish the name… you
know the dress. Yes, Marilyn Monroe and the white dress from The
Seven Year Itch.
And,
of course, the other...
Princess
Diana’s wedding dress.
I would
like to say hello and tip my cap to two tremendous gentlemen that
make a few appearances in the pictures. Nick Grossmark and Graeme
Murton... these two wonderful, friendly, fantastic people are
Art Handlers for the Althorp Estate, and the only ones in the
world permitted to handle Diana’s wedding dress. (Those names
are accurate, left to right, in the picture that includes both
of them facing the camera. Nick and Graeme appear again in these
shots, both identifiably and their gloved hands from the uncrating.)
The award-winning exhibition -
Diana: A Celebration - has concluded its run after more
than a decade of shows that involved stops around the world.
***
PLEASE NOTE *** All of the material presented on this site, including
all pictures in this photo gallery, is the copyrighted property
of Bob Hocking, and may not be used for any purpose, in any form,
without the express written consent of Bob.