Fashion

Fashion Collection

The Salisbury Museum fashion collection contains over 4,000 items dating from the last 300 years.

The garments are from all aspects of life including weddings and christenings, formal occasions, and occupations such as farming and the military. Accessories also form a large part of the collection, including fans, brooches, parasols, buttons, gloves, hats, and shoes.

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 eight years we have been working with young people (aged between 11 – 25) and a dedicated team of volunteers to re-display the collection. A new website dedicated to this project can be seen here.

Coral Brooch
This acorn brooch is made...
Cotton Day Dress
Sleeves with multiple puffs were...
Cream Satin Spencer
Satin spencers, such as this,...
First World War Overall Dress
Produced and worn as workwear...
Howard Harris’ Great Coat
During the Crimean War, local...
Lace Bolero
Lace was first developed in...
Lace Maker Doll
The doll sits behind a...
Ladies Shoe
This shoe was found under...
Lime Green Bodice
Millicent Fawcett’s Cape
This embroidered cape may have...
Mother of Pearl and Lace Fan
The lace on this fan...
Printed Cotton Gown
Purple Silk Dress
The ownership of this dress...
Smock
Smocks were designed to protect...
Yellow Wedding Dress
Bought in Paris, this dress...