Specialism
Historical costume is my core specialism, combining academic research with hands-on experience in the study, display, and reproduction of dress. My MA dissertation explored approaches to diversification and decolonisation in costume, textile, and fashion collections within UK museums, shaping how I interpret and present dress today. Alongside this, I have been President of the British Guild of Historical Costume Makers since 2020, reflecting my ongoing professional engagement with the field.
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Photographing extant garments for a museum client.
Research & Analysis
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By examining construction and materials, alongside wider social history, detailed insights are gained into how garments were made and worn, and why. This work informs my understanding, interpretation and display of collections, ensuring garments are presented in ways that are historically accurate and sensitive to their original contexts.
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Studying the inside of an evening bodice within the costume collection of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.
Interpretation
Interpretation is developed and delivered that brings historic dress to life for a range of audiences. This includes writing interpretation panels, delivering talks, and leading garment study sessions.
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Social media video promoting a garment study session at the Ironbridge Gorge Museums.
Mounting & Display
Specialist support can be provided for the mounting and display of historical dress, ensuring garments are both well-supported and accurately presented. I have undertaken specialist training, delivered by the Victoria and Albert Museum’s team of expert costume technicians and the Dress and Textile Specialists Network. Mounts are tailored to individual objects, with mannequins padded with conservation-grade materials and sleeve and trouser supports constructed when required, to achieve accurate silhouettes whilst minimising stress and long-term risk. My approach balances conservation requirements with impactful and engaging presentation.
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Gentleman's suit — mounted by me at the V&A Dundee using industry-standard techniques.
Reproduction
Reproduction can be used as a tool to support research, interpretation, and engagement, creating garments using historical construction techniques and materials. Through this process, I develop practical insights into how garments functioned, which can inform interpretation, display, and public programming. Reproductions can also provide opportunities for handling, demonstration, and live interpretation whilst protecting original objects.
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Work-in-progress reproduction of a c.1875 dressing gown in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection.
