Out of the Wardrobe
Monthly Newsletter
of
The Costume Society of Scotland

January 2012
Old Lace                                                                                                               Jennifer Scarce is our speaker on the 9th January and will be talking on ‘Fashion, footwear and social change in late Imperial and early 20th century China’. She will also be bringing along a selection of linen and lace which will be on sale before the meeting. Prices start from as little as £1 and the funds raised will go towards St Paul’s Church. The remainder will go towards St. Columba’s Hospice unless members can think of any groups or individuals who may be interested in buying them. Bring your pocket money!

Change of Date for Your Diary                                                                                           
There is a misprint in the programme for meetings. The meeting scheduled for 4th April, ‘Researching the career of 1950’s Couturier, Jo Matti’ should read Monday 2nd April.
Don’t Miss It!                                                                                                                                                           

Stitching Times - Embroidery and the Edinburgh College of Domestic Science
This exhibition is inspired by a gift from Maud Pentland’s daughter. Maud attended the college in the early 20th century. It is supplemented by other items from private lenders and items from the museums collection.                                                              
 Until 28 Jan 2012  Museum of Edinburgh, Cannongate


Leather, Fur and Feathers                                                                                        
Leather, fur and feathers have been used in fashion for centuries. The exploitation of these materials has lead to the endangerment and in some cases extinction of certain animal species. Once considered as an acceptable expression of wealth and status the use of materials from rare animals eventually fell out of favour. This exhibition looks at the history of leather, fur and feather in fashion, its impact on the environment and social conscience, alternative manmade substitutes and the return of fur on 21st century catwalks
From 21 January 2012                                                                                           Provost Skene's House, Aberdeen

 
 
York Exhibition
A wonderful exhibition of costumes from Film and Television in Barley Hall which is right in the centre of the city. The changes in fashion from Tudor times to the early 20th century are demonstrated through this display of costumes which have been worn by some well-known actors.
It features costumes worn by Cate Blanchett, Colin Firth, Helena Bonham-Carter, Daniel Radcliffe as David Copperfield (two years before he started his role as Harry Potter), Heath Ledger and many others. Films and TV dramas represented include The King's Speech, Sense and Sensibility, The Duchess, Lark Rise to Candleford, Pride and Prejudice, Downton Abbey and Cranford.
Until March 2012
Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, Off Stonegate, York YO1 8AR Tel : 01904 610 275
www.barleyhall.org.uk


Website of the Month                                                                                                        
House of Fraser Archive Project                                                                            
The House of Fraser Archive offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of one of Britain's leading department stores. House of Fraser has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1849 as a small drapery shop on the corner of Argyle Street and Buchanan Street in Glasgow, it expanded rapidly, acquiring some 200 different stores, and opening branches in many parts of the world.
                              
Accessing the archive - The House of Fraser Archive Project, funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council, has developed a new online catalogue of the Archive. The catalogue includes:

Full descriptions of all items in the archive
Histories of House of Fraser and its subsidiaries
Histories of key people
Flexible search options e.g. the option to search by type of product or business, or by a specific company, person or place
A facility for bookmarking and tagging your favourite parts of the catalogue
A facility for adding your own information or comments
An image gallery of highlights from the Archive
The House of Fraser Archive online catalogue was launched on 25th December 2011. You can also view some interesting images on their House of Fraser Advent Calendar.


Out of the Blue – Fleamarket                                                                                            
Out of the Blue is an exciting venue for exhibitions, fairs and community events. Their Fleamarkets featuring craft, vintage clothing, jewelry, sewing accessories and all sorts of collectable treasures have become so popular that they are now holding them on a regular basis on the last Saturday of ever month. If you would like to be a seller spaces cost £15 with a table provided. Other attractions include their wonderful café with hot meals, sandwiches and cakes plus the services of a ‘ sewer’ who can alter those vintage finds to fit.                                                                                               
For more information or to go on the mailing list contact: www.outoftheblue.org.uk
 Next Fleamarket:  Sat 28th January                                                                                   
Time: 11am – 4pm

Study Trip to Norwich May 2012  
Despite a fair amount of work trying to organise the trip to Norwich I have been unable to get any firm commitments from the organisations I have contacted so have regretfully had to give up Norwich as a destination. I will look at the possibility of other venues and keep members informed.     
 
If you come across any exciting costume collections or events on your travels the please contact:
4/2 Links Gardens, Edinburgh EH6 7JH. Tel: 0131 555 1829
Or email to jim.annie@btinternet.com
 
Copy date for the February edition is Friday 27th January.