Framing Fashion: Art and Inspiration From a Private Collection of Vivienne Westwood is open at the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, in County Durham in northern England, from 19th October 2024 – 2nd March 2025.
This unique show features some of Vivienne Westwood’s most recognisable creations from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, loaned to the Barnard Castle Museum by the private collector Peter Smithson.
Inspiration
The display, in the fashion and textile gallery, explores the inspiration Westwood took from paintings, sitters in portraits and the materials and techniques used by artists, and examines how she reflected this in her pieces.
The details in her work are highlighted by items from the Museum’s collection, showcasing the inspiration the Grand Dame of Fashion took from the art and interiors of the Wallace Collection in London, which marked the mid-point of a particularly creative period for the designer.
The Museum has also partnered with Northumbria University to bring Westwood’s pattern cutting techniques to life in video showing how she created her iconic garments that still inspire creatives today.
Experience a golden decade of design with only-to-be-seen-here clothing from the late designer set among never-before-shown Museum objects.
Mannequins
An events programme suitable for all ages accompanies the display with spotlight tours led by Rachel Whitworth, Curator (Fashion & Textiles) and fashion and textile artist Betty Brown will be leading workshops to design fashion sketchbooks and free-standing card mannequins for over 15s. There will also be activities linked to the display for younger audiences in the Create gallery. Full details are on the website.
Vicky Sturrs, the Museum’s Director of Programmes and Collections, said: “We are delighted to be working with Peter once again to show the relevance of Westwood’s designs in the cultural space and hope that this show along with the accompanying programme will really inspire our visitors.”
About The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum is a charity managing a Grade 1 listed accredited museum and Grade 2 listed parkland in Barnard Castle. Founded by Joséphine & John Bowes 150+ years ago, this purpose-built Museum brings together an extraordinary, Designated collection of European fine and decorative art as a cultural resource for the people of Northern England, where today we celebrate artists, designers and makers. The Bowes Museum receives funding from Durham County Council and, as a National Portfolio Organisation, receives support from Arts Council England. Arts Council England is the national development body for arts and culture across England, working to enrich people’s lives.
The Bowes Museum is a member of the Discover Durham partnership of attractions, whose commitment is to promote Durham as an exciting and vibrant group travel destination and to provide the travel trade with a professional and knowledgeable service.
Admission to The Bowes Museum is £16.00 for local members (residents of County Durham and Darlington), £18.00 for members (residents elsewhere), £19.00 for a standard day ticket, £20.90 for a day ticket including gift aid. Under 18s, full time students and carers are free.
As a registered charity (number 1079639) The Bowes Museum needs to generate more than half of its income each year to care for the historic collection, buildings and parkland. Donations are vital to its work. Visit https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/support/ for more information.
See also: Celebrating the Art of Carrosserie
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