Full Steam Ahead!

There's just one week to go until our exhibition opens and that means it's literally full steam ahead now to get all the preparations finished and ready for display.

 This week we teamed up with costume conservator specialist Althea Mackenzie. It's been great working with Althea who works for the National Trust, is an author and is super knowledgeable about how best to steam and display delicate fabrics!

We've been working in the fantastic Chemist's Shop area of the Museum and Art Gallery, until we can install next week. It's been great to see all the costumes on the dress forms.

Here's a sneaky picture of behind the scenes. These are just some of the dresses waiting to be steamed and the dress forms waiting to be 'dressed' and made uniform:

A glamorous 1930s crepe gown waiting to be de-creased in the Chemist Shop:

Althea and Clare having a closer look at this 1930s bias cut crepe:

A delicate job: working with 1920s lace:

Next week we'll be prepping the hats and shoes before the final installation day and opening soiree! Stay tuned for more peeks behind the scenes before our official opening!