The Victorian Look Book

​The Victorians drew upon a rich archive of global and historical influences when choosing what they wore and how they decorated their homes. This exhibition explores the styles that dominated the period. From Gothic to Aesthetic, Exotic to Arts and Crafts visitors will discover and find their favourite Victorian look.

The celebrity designer was born in the Victorian age. On display will be beautiful wallpapers, textiles, furniture and fashion from the big names of  Victorian designs. Come and see chairs designed by a 15 year old Pugin for King George IV’s dining room at Windsor Castle- later he went on to design the famous Gothic interiors of the Houses of Parliament. There will be wallpapers and fabrics from William Morris the father of the Arts and Crafts movement and strikingly modern silver from Christopher Dresser.

From elegant dresses to exotic eastern inspired smoking caps and dressing gowns, visitors will also discover what people wore as they sat on their Charles Rennie Mackintosh chair. A star piece is a dress belonging to the daughter of a self made Yorkshire millionaire who owned textile mills in Bradford and Paris.  The dress was designed by the Charles Frederick Worth, an Englishman based in Paris and he is known as the first fashion designer and inventor of couture. 

The main exhibition of dress and furniture is in the costume galleries. Visitors can discover more with house trails for families and the general visitor guiding them round the Victorian masterpieces on display at Lotherton Hall and there is a programme of workshops, family events and specialist tours happening throughout the year.

This exhibition is on display until 31st January 2013.

Access:   The ground floor of the house is now accessible for most with mobility needs but the upper floor is not. The Costume Galleries are on the first floor. The estate is fully accessible.

This exhibition has been kindly supported by Morris & Co.