The Fashion at Play exhibition, opening on March 1, 2025, at Lotherton, invites visitors to explore the vibrant history of children’s fashion from the 1600s to today, featuring the restored Little Bo Peep dress once worn by Gladys Redman in 1900. With a collection that highlights societal changes in parenting and family life, this captivating showcase reflects Leeds’ rich cultural heritage and its enduring legacy in the fashion industry.
What is the ‘Fashion at Play’ exhibition at Lotherton about?
The ‘Fashion at Play’ exhibition, opening in spring 2025 at Lotherton, showcases the evolution of children’s fashions, from the 1600s to contemporary times. It features the meticulous restoration of historic costumes, including Gladys Redman’s century-old Little Bo Peep dress, and provides insight into societal shifts in parenting, childhood, and family life through garments that reflect Leeds’ rich cultural heritage.
The Legacy of Gladys Redman’s Costume
The intricate tapestry of Leeds’ history is often woven through its cultural artifacts, and one such thread is the tale of a vintage Little Bo Peep costume. This garment, which has survived more than a century, was the pride of Gladys Redman when she attended a chapel concert in Leeds in 1900. Time had not been kind to the dainty dress as it bore the brunt of wear, indicative of the joy and use it saw in its heyday. However, thanks to the Friends of Leeds City Museums’ generous support, this piece has been meticulously restored. Set to be a highlight of the upcoming ‘Fashion at Play’ exhibition at Lotherton, this costume not only represents a personal story but also the wider narrative of historic children’s fashions.
Mrs Walter Sugden’s specialist shop, a purveyor of children’s clothing since 1861, is where the costume originated. The Commercial Street establishment catered to the needs of Leeds’ children and women with a range of clothing, including fancy dress costumes. It was during a time when fancy dress balls were the pinnacle of social gatherings for both adults and children. These events were not merely about merriment but also served as displays of status with their elaborate costumes.
Adding to the exhibition is an album of photographs documenting an extravagant children’s fancy dress ball from the 19th century. Hosted by the mayor and mayoress, this event saw nearly 400 children from affluent families dressed as fairytale characters and historical figures. This visual feast will offer visitors a peek into the grandeur of children’s parties from a bygone era.
Fashion at Play: An Exhibition
The ‘Fashion at Play’ exhibition, set to open its doors in spring 2025, beckons visitors to embark on a journey through the evolution of children’s fashions. Natalie Raw, the curator of costume at Leeds Museums and Galleries, shares her enthusiasm for the costume’s restoration, noting the significant role of fancy dress in the social fabric of the 19th century. She highlights the unique story behind Gladys Redman’s attire and how it connects us to the city’s sartorial past.
The exhibition will span the breadth of fashion history, from the 1600s to contemporary times. It aims to shed light on the diverse styles that have adorned young ones through the ages, tracing the influence of past trends on today’s fashion landscape. Artifacts on display will not only include garments but will also delve into the societal shifts in parenting, childhood, and family life.
‘Reflections on attire reflect epochs,’ remarked Councillor Salma Arif, emphasizing the significance of the fashion and textile industries in Leeds’ heritage. The exhibition promises to be an immersive experience that encourages visitors to contemplate the rich tapestry of the city’s history and the enduring impact of these industries.
The Exhibition’s Contribution to Leeds’ Cultural Scene
As the exhibition prepares to open at Lotherton, it stands as a testament to Leeds’ commitment to cultural preservation and education. The restored Little Bo Peep costume is but one example of the city’s dedication to conserving its historical narrative. With garments that speak volumes about the past, Leeds continues to foster a deep appreciation for its heritage.
The exhibit also plays a crucial role in highlighting Leeds’ prominence in fashion and textiles, an industry that has shaped the city’s identity. Councillor Salma Arif, representing Leeds City Council’s executive board for culture, underscores the importance of the exhibit in inspiring current and future generations.
Leeds’ cultural institutions, like Lotherton, serve as custodians of history, offering a window into the city’s past. They create spaces where the community can engage with and learn from the artifacts that have been carefully preserved. In this context, ‘Fashion at Play’ becomes more than an exhibition—it becomes a conduit for storytelling, inviting visitors to journey through time.
The exhibition ‘Fashion at Play’ will welcome visitors from March 1, 2025, at Lotherton. For those interested in uncovering the layers of children’s fashion history and the city’s rich cultural heritage, further details can be found at the Leeds Museums and Galleries website.
ENDS
- The Fashion at Play exhibition will open on March 1, 2025, at Lotherton and will explore the history of children’s fashion from the 1600s to present day.
- A key highlight of the exhibition is the restored Little Bo Peep dress worn by Gladys Redman in 1900, showcasing Leeds’ cultural heritage.
- The exhibition will feature a range of historic costumes and artifacts that reflect societal shifts in parenting, childhood, and family life.
- An album of photographs documenting a 19th-century children’s fancy dress ball will be included, illustrating the grandeur of past celebrations.
- The exhibition aims to inspire current and future generations by highlighting Leeds’ significance in the fashion and textile industries.