COSTUME EXPERIENCES

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Grantown Museum has commissioned 17 reproduction costumes covering the period from the 1750's to the 1920's.
These are available to try on and photograph (or video) for you to experience a flavour of life in another era.
We have some basic garments that you can try on by yourself for free, but most of the collection requires assistance to get dressed (in the 18th and 19th centuries ladies had a maid, or a sister or mother to help them dress). The costumes come with the required undergarments and accessories (chemise, corset, petticoats, crinoline, panniers etc) and do take some time to get on and off. This costs £50 per hour and requires an appointment.
We have tried to be as authentic as possible in recreating these costumes - all the costumes are made from natural fabrics (silk, linen, cotton, wool), the only exception being the boning, which is either polyester or spiral steel, and not baleen (whalebone).
Costumes are steam cleaned between appointments.
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If you would like to make an appointment, please contact - suzi@grantownmuseum.co.uk

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"Outlander" - Claire in Paris

This is a red silk gown similar to that worn by the character Claire, to the Court of Louis XV. The gown is silk duchess satin, the bodice is boned and lined in silk and laces up the back. There is a corset, chemise and panniers that are worn underneath. Will fit UK sizes 12-16.

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"Outlander" - Claire in Scotland

This costume includes chemise, stays (or corset), woollen skirt, velvet bodice, stomacher, pockets, bum roll and shawl. Similar to what Claire was first dressed in when she arrived in Scotland in the 18th century. Will fit UK sizes 10-16.

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"Young Victoria"

This costume is a reproduction of an early Victorian ball gown made from Swiss knot cotton, lace and silk ribbon. It comes with a chemise, petticoats, crinoline, skirt and a boned and lined bodice which laces up the back. Will fit UK sizes 12-16.

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"The Duchess"

This gown is a reproduction of a Saque (or sack) back gown from the 18th century, also called a robe à la française. There is a complicated arrangement of pleats on the back of the gown that flows to the floor with a short train. The gown is made in silk taffeta, with a silk taffeta petticoat, silk brocade stomacher, with chemise, corset and panniers to go underneath. The gown is not laced on but is either  pinned or stitched to the corset. Will fit UK sizes 10-16.

"Pride & Prejudice"

Now we have moved into the Regency period - Jane Austen reigns supreme, and ladies started wearing looser fitting, higher waisted dresses with a much lighter corset (or no corset at all!). The navy linen cutaway coat with velvet covered buttons goes over the cotton lawn and velvet trim dress. Fits UK sizes 8-10. A Regency costume to fit UK sizes 14-16 is also available.

Late Victorian Bustle Dress

This dress started life from an original Victorian pattern - unfortunately the waist was so small (they really laced their corsets tight) that the skirt had to be expanded, but still this dress will only fit UK sizes 8-10. Comes with combinations, corset, corset cover and padded bustle. Made in linen, cotton, lace and velvet.

Young Ladies Costumes

We have several young ladies costumes to try on - the pink one is made from an actual Victorian pattern from 1867, and the blue one is a reproduction of an 18th century design. Both dresses will fit a 28 inch chest (71 cm). No charge to try on.