Prose description
This museum is designated for the pre-eminent importance of its costume collection, which is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of fashionable dress in Britain. The collections focus on fashionable dress for men, women and children from the late 16th century to the present day.
This important costume collection divides into several elements: early dress, before 1800; the 19th century; modern dress; and dress accessories and underclothes.The modern collection is strong in the work of 20th century British designers, although it includes the work of leading designers from Europe, the United States and Japan. Included in the collection are several rare pieces by Lucille, Lady Duff Gordon, the first London coututiere to be recognised as a dress designer in her own right at the beginning of the 20th century. Norman Hartnell is also well represented, as are the design houses of Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent.
Vogue magazine donated to the museum a collection of 60 ensembles of clothes each one contributed by one of the currently influential designers of 1991. This collection gives a snapshot of fashion design over the world in one particular year.
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The museum was founded in Bath in 1963 by Doris Langley Moore BE, a distinguished collector, designer and historian of costume.
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There are currently 30,000 items.
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The Museum is situated in the Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QH
Tel: 01225 477 789
Fax: 01225 444 793
Email: costume_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk
Website: http://www.museumofcostume.co.uk/
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The Museum is open every day (except 25 & 26 December) from 10.00 to 16.30 (last exit at 17.00). Admission charges are: adult £5.50, senior citizens & students £4.50, children £3.75. Bath and North East Somerset schools and local residents are admitted free on proof of residence. The Acoustiguide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Japanese.
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The building is fully accessible to wheelchair users and there is a specially adapted toilet for disabled visitors. A wheelchair is available for use. A 'T' switch attachment for the audio guide is available to visitors with hearing difficulties. Alternatively, a copy of the audio tour text (with reading torch) can be provided to read during the visit.
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The Fashion Research Centre is an extension of the Museum of Costume and provides facilities for reference and research into the history of dress. The study collection includes examples of costume, accessories, textiles and needlework of 18th to 20th century date. The Research centre offers access to its facilities to all members of the public.
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The Fashion Research Centre is at 4 The Circus, Bath BA1 2EW
Tel: 01225 477 752
Fax: 01225 444 793
Email: costume_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk
Website: http://www.museumofcostume.co.uk/
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Costume & Textile [Cornucopia subject index term]
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