Costume

Trace fashions through time and learn about the social changes which shaped them.

See beautiful dresses from the 1800s, accessories including fans, hats and corsages, plus all kinds of unusual shoes such as dancing slippers, silk boots, and 1970s platforms.

The costume collection consists of around 10,000 items dating from the 1730s to the present day, along with textiles such as quilts and banners, and the entire contents of a Bristol haberdasher’s shop. These are in storage but appointments with a curator are available and we’re working to make everything available on our online collection search.

 

Find out what else is here.