Models are poised to step back in time to showcase two centuries of style in an epic 200 Years of Fashion show this September.
Notty Hornblower, owner of Derbyshire’s Hope House Costume Museum, has masterminded the feast of fashion which will showcase the history of clothing from 1770 to 1970.
Models will recreate style through the decades at Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffs, on Tuesday, September 22, 2-4pm, to air the bustling flair of Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian times.
The show will also focus on the 20th century featuring flirty flapper dressers from the 1920s, 30s and 40s elegance, nipped-in-waists of the 50s, those head-turning minis of the 60s and floaty frocks of the 70s.
Notty, a renowned expert on vintage textiles and clothing, has curated the show utilising outfits from her museum. She said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to enjoy the story of fashion through the ages, the history of rising hemlines, fabric innovation, changing design, colour and style.”
Notty began accumulating a huge collection of costumes in her thirties after becoming fascinated by clothes and their history as a child. Her first purchase, in the late 1970s, was an early Victorian white cotton night dress for £15. Her passion snowballed and within three years she’d amassed 100 costumes, plus shoes and accessories.
In 1997, Hope House Costume Museum opened in Alstonefield, near Ashbourne. It hosts one of the most notable clothing collections in the country with every item meticulously recorded for posterity.
The 200 Years of Fashion event will be held on September 22, 2-4pm, in a marquee in the grounds of Georgian mansion Bishton Hall, Wolsely Bridge, Staffs, ST17 0XN. Social distancing and Covid-19 regulations adhered to. To book a place, priced £10, which includes a glass of prosecco on arrival and tea and cake at the interval, please email Rachael Morley: [email protected].
Why not make a day of it?
On the same day, September 22, 10am-2pm, two familiar faces from TV antique shows, Eric Knowles and Charles Hanson, will host a free valuation event at Bishton Hall. They will be happy to assess all types of antiques and quirky collectables. No appointment is necessary and items can be consigned to auction on the day.
Antique fans can make the day extra special by enjoying a VIP Talk and Tour of Bishton Hall, starting at 9.15am. It will include refreshment and chance to hear a wealth of stories from the world of antiques courtesy of Eric and Charles. To book a place, priced £10, contact Rachael Morley by emailing [email protected]
