Clare NatressHow often do you get a chance to see a collection of famous and iconic outfits under one roof?
Search no further but Barley Hall located in the city centre. It has recently opened a fabulous exhibition of fashion dating back to as early as Tudor times to the early 20th century. This exhibition welcomes you to observe and discover fashions changes through this rare exhibition of costumes, some, worn by the most talented stage and screen actors in the industry such as Cate Blanchett, Daniel Radcliffe, Heath Ledger, the cast of Sense and Sensibility, The Duchess and much loved television series’ such as Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey, not to mention the fantastic multi award winning King’s Speech.
Not only is this exhibition fantastic for all you fashion lovers but is also housed in this beautiful medieval house located in Coffee Yard just off Stonegate. Visitors to Barley Hall can see the expansive timeline of fashion whilst experiencing what it would have been like to live in Medieval England in 15th century surroundings full of historic objects, decor and, so I’ve heard, the only horn window in England!
On the 20th November only, for a mere £6, you are invited to attend a special screening of The King’s Speech in the luxurious state room in York Mansion House. You can spend your time viewing the costumes worn in the film by Colin Firth, Helena Bonham-Carter and Claire Bloom then see the outfits on the big screen at 2pm. Visit here to book your place and don’t miss out on this rare occasion to find out how modern designers recreate historic garments for film and television production.
If this is not enough and you want to step further into York’s heritage in fashion and textiles take a quick walk over to York Castle Museum. Their permanent costume collection housed is one of the largest in Britain, including men’s, women’s and children’s clothes, accessories and furnishings spanning two hundred years.
Visiting both Barley Hall and York Castle Museum will offer a spectacle into Yorkshire’s rich history in costume and textiles, its historical and cultural record of clothing undoubtably altered by changing social attitudes, global influences and trends.
Barley Hall Exhibition opens till March 2012
