The Glass Darkly

'From Hamlet to Hollywood'

Silver Screen costumes

 

 I went into York to visit the costume exhibition at Barley Hall.

 

 

 Cinematic costumes spanning the Elizabethan era to the early 20th century were on display. They had been worn on famous bodies such as Keira Knightley, Elizabeth Taylor and Colin Firth.

As a fan of costume drama and historical detail in general, I really enjoyed it. There were even dresses that I remembered from The House of Elliot, back in the early 1990s. There was also the opportunity to try on period headwear. I loved the Tudor gable hood (very Anne Boleyn!)

Nicole Kidman's dress (left) from Portrait of a Lady was beautiful - bustles are amazing! Another dress featured in The Duchess and worn by Keira Knightley was my favourite. And it wasn't as tiny as I expected.

Some of the costumes did appear less ornate and detailed in real life. I guess that's the magic of cinema - bringing characters and periods alive. Although the exhibition was very busy, I managed to get a few photos...

 

 

 

 

 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

 

National Trust Collections

Ah, the wonders of the modern world.

Images of the National Trust's  historic collections (including fashion photos) can now be found online. 

Searching through, I found these 19th century gems:

Fashion history at your fingertips.

***