Ms Dixon said the exhibition intended to promote family history by displaying clothing people wore to events, from christenings through to funerals.

A wedding dress from the 1850s will be the oldest item on display at the exhibition. Baby clothing and maternity wear will also be on show.

Ms Dixon said wedding dresses historically were not as "sumptuous" as people did not have as much disposable income as today.

Class differences were also more noticeable in dress sense during the 19th century as the middle class grew in size.

"People wanted to show how well off they were. It was pretty elaborate and important," Ms Dixon said.

The exhibits belong to Ms Dixon. She will give a talk about the clothes and their significance at the library at noon on Friday. The exhibition runs until Saturday.

Details: 98011422.