I think the period around Gone With the Wind was pretty close to when Albert died, and Victoria turned mourning into a cottage industry. I have (or had, since it's gone a bit moribund from lack of interest) a yahoo group for discussion of real history and Dark Shadows, and I found a link I had posted there on mourning customs. (URL)
Thanks for the link! Period mourning customs have always fascinated me.
Glad you enjoyed the links. If people are interested, I will try and find time to go in and dig up some of my old links (once I see if they're still active that is! Alas, a once WONDERFUL and totally completist Victoriana site was gutted some time in the last year or so, though there is enough of it left up to give you a good flavor for the lifestyle, clothing, etc.)
And thanks to Midnight for fixing my glitch when I copied the url, leaving the last L behind on html.
One thing to keep in mind on this topic, too, is the difference between stage costumes and what the International Costumers Guild classes for masquerade purposes as HALL COSTUMES.
Stage Costumes are meant to give an impression when seen from a distance, as a presentation during a masquerade, or, as with DS, a dramatic presentation. What matters for these purposes is the general impression of authenticity. A Hall Costume, on the other hand, is meant to stand up to close on scruitny, including detailed examination of the needlework and materials, and, depending on the venue, period materials used.
This just reminded me of one of the best humorous costume presentations I have seen, done at a Costume Con in I forget what year. The contestants did what they called a BODICE RIPPER, where, in true bodice ripper fashion the hero was to grab the heroine by her decolletage and the fabric would rip. However, if done with true to period materials, in cluding buckram, IT WONT RIP. It was a hilarious skit with the hero throwing the heroine from place to place acroos the stage by the neckline of her dress, which wouldn't even develop the slightest tear.