Costume drama as outfits go on show

IT WAS a movie that captured the nation’s hearts and a string of awards along the way.

And now an exhibition in York will host the first public appearance of costumes worn by Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter in the critically-acclaimed The King’s Speech.

The medieval townhouse Barley Hall will stage the exhibition, which will also feature a host of other costumes worn by some of the best-loved stars of stage and screen.

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Among the other wardrobe treasures on display will be Mr Darcy’s riding coat worn by Firth in Pride and Prejudice and the 1940s-style red velvet dress donned by Dame Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey.

The lilac ball gown sported by Emma Thompson in Sense and Sensibility and the jewel- encrusted stage dress worn by Elizabeth Taylor in Young Toscanini will also feature in the exhibition.

The York Archaeological Trust’s director of attractions, Sarah Maltby, said: “The study of fashion, costume and clothing to demonstrate wealth, poverty and status is one that has interested historians for many years, and gives a further perspective to those archaeological discoveries which allow us to explore the lives of people from the past.

“This exhibition presents a unique opportunity for visitors to see these fine garments up close and under one roof whilst learning about clothing through the eras to build a picture of ancestors who wore them.”

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The costumes have been supplied by London-based Cosprop Exhibitions which has recreated many of the period fashions for film and television series.

The displays will explore the changes in fashion from Tudor times to the 20th century with clothing ranging from cravats to hats, ball gowns to wedding dresses.

The York Archaeological Trust’s From Hamlet To Hollywood: Fashion From Film exhibition opens on Saturday and will run until next year.

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