Media release
24 January 2022
Captivating Costume:
A fabulous tour through three centuries of fashion
New permanent exhibition opens on 1 February at Worcestershire County Museum
- New permanent exhibition opens at Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle featuring outstanding costume collection
- A fascinating tour of three centuries of fashion, with costume from every era from the 18th century right up to the present day
- Find out more here: Captivating Costume: Three Centuries of Fashion – Museums Worcestershire
As Hartlebury Castle reopens on 1 February, visitors to the historic site will have a brand-new exhibition to enjoy. Captivating Costume is a fascinating tour of three centuries of fashion, with costume from every era from the 18th century right up to the present day.
From the extravagant 18th century frocks of the Georgian era to the crinolines of Queen Victoria’s reign, and from body-restricting corsets of the early 20th century to the miniskirts of the 1960s, fashion has forever reflected change in society. Visitors can sashay through three centuries of fabulous costume on display and find out how Worcestershire influenced fashions: supplying beautiful gloves across the globe and revolutionising fashion consumption in the home through the first mail order catalogues.
Historically, how a person dressed was an illustration of their wealth and social status. Early 18th century fashions were extremely extravagant, as times moved on shapes became more informal. World War One brought about radical changes in fashion as women needed more practical clothing for war work. Fast forward to the 1950s and 60s and designers were catering for a younger, more affluent generation. And who can forget the power dressing of the 1980s?
The tour ends in the 21st century with Ginny Lemon’s wonderful Queen of my Hometown costume from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
Curator Claire Cheshire says: “It is fantastic to be able to show all these wonderful costumes, I hope visitors enjoy this fabulous collection which covers all the major periods of fashion from the last three centuries and is brought right up to date with Ginny Lemon’s amazing Queen of my Hometown costume. I’m sure everyone will have their favourite outfit, whether it’s a crinoline or a more daring 1960s creation.”
Set in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside just a few miles from Kidderminster, Hartlebury Castle is the perfect place to escape and spend time with friends and family. Discover the historic house that was home to the Bishops of Worcester for 1000 years. Take a walk through the history of Worcestershire in the County Museum and get close to fascinating objects and collections including the large collection of beautifully decorated Gypsy caravans.
Entry to Captivating Costume is included in admission. Hartlebury Castle is open from 1 February, Tuesday – Friday 10am – 5pm and weekends and Bank Holidays 11am – 5pm, it is signposted off the A449 just south of Kidderminster, for visitor information see www.hartleburycastle.com
ENDS
For further information contact:
Helen Large, at Museums Worcestershire, email Helen.Large@worcester.gov.uk
Exhibition Listing
Captivating Costume: A fabulous tour through three centuries of fashion
Opening 1 February 2022
Hartlebury Castle is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am – 5pm and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 11am – 5pm. For information on admission prices visit: www.hartleburycastle.com
From the extravagant 18th century frocks of the Georgian era to the crinolines of Queen Victoria’s reign, and from body-restricting corsets of the early 20th century to the miniskirts of the 1960s, fashion has forever reflected change in society. Visitors can sashay through three centuries of fabulous costume on display and find out how Worcestershire influenced fashions: supplying beautiful gloves across the globe and revolutionising fashion consumption in the home through the first mail order catalogues.
The tour ends in the 21st century with Ginny Lemon’s wonderful Queen of my Hometown costume from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
About Hartlebury Castle
Hartlebury Castle was home to the Bishops of Worcester for 1,000 years. Set in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside the Castle is owned by Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust and is a much-loved visitor attraction. It is also home to the Worcestershire County Museum, and includes state rooms, themed galleries, historic grounds and wonderful collections of costume, toys and a national collection of gypsy caravans.
About Museums Worcestershire
Museums Worcestershire is the joint museum service of Worcester City and Worcestershire County Councils. It comprises three fantastic venues– Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, the Commandery in Worcester and The County Museum at Hartlebury Castle.
The collections and exhibitions at our sites are many and varied, covering centuries of the county’s history right up to the present day. Thousands of objects, including the historic buildings themselves, are brought to life through innovative exhibitions and events throughout the year.