Now On: Pick of the Bunch
23-07-2007
{mosimage}Florals – designers can’t get enough of them. Each spring season floral prints are guaranteed, from summer day dresses to exquisite evening gowns, floral prints have been a constant throughout the history of fashion. Celebrating the love of printed florals for the very first time is a new exhibition at The Fashion Museum in Bath.
The exhibition features 50 printed floral dresses from the last 100 years selected from major museum collections across the UK. From romantic roses to delicate snowdrops; nature provides an endless source of inspiration for textile designers in the creation of new prints. Techniques range from roller prints to hand screen prints to create repeated patterns that often reflect various art movements such as impressionism and abstract expressionism.
{mosimage}On the exhibition Rosemary Harden, Manager of the Fashion Museum, said: “It will be a joyous and upbeat show for the summer.â€
“Every summer for the last 100 years or so, generations of British women have chosen to wear floral printed frocks for both the everyday and the special occasions in their lives. We are really thrilled that we have had the chance to present an exhibition on this area of fashion history, which we know will strike a chord with our visitors.â€
Prof. Ron George, Head of Bath School of Art and Design added: “The exhibition is the realisation of an exciting project which builds upon our partnership with the Museum, established some four years ago when we launched our fashion degree based in The Circus. Our combined staff and student expertise has resulted in this wonderful exhibition and publication, which will be an important contribution to the attractions of Bath this summer.”
{mosimage}For those that can’t make the trip to Bath you can get a taster via http://www.floralfrocks.org which offers virtual access along with detailed information, bibliographies and 360 degree views of six of the dresses featured in the exhibition.
Running alongside the line-up of frocks is a specially commissioned film by Chris Stitchman that delves into the archives and features footage of women all ages wearing floral frocks at the seaside, in the garden and at the dancehall.
A book Floral Frocks published by the Antiques Collectors Club, written jointly by Rosemary Harden and Jo Turney of Bath Spa University, features many of the dresses in the exhibition is available at the Fashion Museum and major bookstores.
{mosimage}In case you are wondering, The Fashion Museum is the re-branded Museum of Costume as Councillor Martin Veal, Vice Chairman of Bath Tourism Plus explains: “Bath & North East Somerset Council is delighted to hold this exhibition which will bring a splash of colour to the summer-time programme of events for residents and visitors. This exhibition also gives people an opportunity to take a look around the Fashion Museum – formerly known as the Museum of Costume. A complete redisplay has just been completed and the new displays and cases should not be missed.â€
Pick of the Bunch – A Celebration of Floral Frocks is on until 27th August 2007
On Saturday 4 August, visitors wearing a floral frock or floral shirt or tie will be able to gain half price admission to the display, as this day has been designated ‘Floral Frock Day’ by the Museum.
The Fashion Museum & Assembly Rooms,
Bennett Street,
Bath BA1 2QA
fashion_bookings@bathnes.gov.uk
Entry: Adult single – £6.75, Senior citizens – £5.75, – Children under-16 – £4.75, Children 5 years and under and Bath residents – Free, various saver ticket options for groups and family bookings.
Other exhibitions currently on at The Fashion Museum include:
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1977 – 20 black and white photographs capturing the excitement and energy of punk and new wave bands. Until 31st December 2007
‘1977’ image by Caroline Coon/Camera Press London
Pockets of History – A display of embroidered, patchwork and plain pockets from the major textile museums across the UK revealing how pockets were made and used. Until 2nd September 2007
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Fashion & Bath – Exploring Bath’s history as a centre for the display and retail of fashionable dress. Until 2nd January 2008
Main gallery – Fashion through the ages featuring key pieces over a series of themes including menswear, womenswear, lingerie, accessories, alternative fashion and fashion today.
