Fashion

Fashion Collection

The museum has a beautiful and intriguing collection of people’s clothes and accessories from the past. Some of the oldest items date back over 300 years but the collection spans the centuries and also includes pieces from more recent decades such as the 1950s. Over the last four years we have been working with young people (aged between 11 – 25) and a dedicated team of heritage volunteers from the Art Society to re-display the collection. A new website dedicated to this project can be seen here.

Coral Brooch
This acorn brooch is made from coral. When coral dies its' skeleton can be polished and carved to create a gem-like finish.
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Cotton Day Dress
Sleeves with multiple puffs were a popular trend in the early 1800s.
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Cream Satin Spencer
Satin spencers, such as this, were frequently worn by women over their dresses in the early 19th century.
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Dr Neighbour’s Surgery
A popular display is the reconstructed surgery of Dr Philip Neighbour, who practised in Amesbury from 1939 almost until his death in 1982.
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Howard Harris’ Great Coat
During the Crimean War, local man Howard Harris wore this great coat.
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Lace Bolero
Lace was first developed in Europe in the 1500s.
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Lace Maker Doll
The doll sits behind a bobbin lace pillow which was used to hold the lace pattern in place as she worked.
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Ladies Shoe
This shoe was found under the floorboard in the attic of The Old Dairy Cottage in Upper Woodford, Salisbury.
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Millicent Fawcett’s Cape
This embroidered cape may have belonged to Millicent Fawcett, who was a woman’s suffrage campaigner.
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Mother of Pearl and Lace Fan
The lace on this fan is handmade and the mother of pearl sticks are inlaid with gold.
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Purple Silk Dress
The ownership of this dress is shrouded in mystery but it is likely to have been made and worn by a Russian princess.
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Smock
Smocks were designed to protect countryside workers from the weather.
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Yellow Wedding Dress
Bought in Paris, this dress was worn by Jinny Townsend on her wedding day in 1879.
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