May is Local History Month, and we wanted to open our blog up to some of the many local institutions which are around Dorset during the month, so that they can tell you more about themselves. We start with Blandford Fashion Museum…
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Did you know that Blandford Fashion Museum is currently one of the only dedicated UK fashion museums, and it’s based here in Dorset!
Located in Blandford Forum the museum opened in 1996 the brain child of Mrs Betty Penny OBE. Since then it has grown exponentially and now boasts a collection of over 6000 items of historical dress, textiles and accessories ranging from the mid 1700s to the 1990s.
The Museum opened for its new season on Monday 17th February 2025 with some stunning new displays. The focus this season is on Power Dressing and the exhibitions aim to demonstrate the power of clothing and how costume has been used over the centuries to convey power and prestige. From gloriously sumptuous Victorian dresses to the recognisable power-dressing suits of the 20th century there is something for anyone who wants to understand more about the strength of dressing to impress.
The exhibition is complimented by the “Power of Pabrics” demonstrated through paisley shawls. Introduced in the late 18th century the first shawls, created in imitation of Kashmir originals, were produced in Paisley, Scotland. Thus began a 70-year period during which the town of Paisley became the most important centre of production for these kinds of shawls in Europe. Blandford Fashion Museum has a small, but important collection of paisley shawls and these too will be on display, alongside other gorgeously elaborate costumes.
The Museum is a special place to visit and it even has its own traditional tea room where the costume-weary visitor can partake of a refreshing cup of tea and a piece of homemade cake, before visiting the rest of the collection on display. What’s not to like?
The museum is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
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If you know of a local museum or organisation that might like to share their story through this blog, please get in touch – archives@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.