Images of the New Gallery

Here are some images of our brand new gallery! In the foreground stands the twentieth century case, containing beautiful 1950s dresses by Belinda Belville and Victor Steibel.

This is our glass cube. Groups can be invited inside it for talks or demonstrations, or visitors can watch the curators at their work. Ten percent of our quilt collection hangs from bars on the ceiling, while the 176 archive boxes store the world-famous Blackborne Lace Collection.

Our film shows theatre costumier Luca Costigliolo dressing a woman in a reproduction 1872 gown, giving you an idea of just how complicated dressing could be!

This is beginning of the chronological display of dress. In the foreground hangs a man's lace collar dating from c.1635. Standing in the temporary exhibition space are three dresses, all designed by Parisian couturier Madeleine Vionnet, a contemporary of Chanel's. They are part of a collection of Vionnet gowns bought by the Bowes Museum in conjunction with the V&A, London and the Fashion Museum, Bath.

Here is a more detailed view of the three gowns by Vionnet, made in turn from gold tulle with gold embroidery, printed silk chiffon and black Chantilly lace.

More images coming soon!