Industry News

Experience a golden decade of design with only-to-be-seen-here clothing from the late designer set among never-before-shown Museum objects.
This unique show features some of Westwood’s most recognisable creations from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, loaned to the Barnard Castle Museum by the private collector Peter Smithson.

The display, in the fashion and textile gallery, explores the inspiration Westwood took from paintings, sitters in portraits and the materials and techniques used by artists, and examines how she reflected this in her pieces.

The details in her work are highlighted by items from the Museum’s collection, showcasing the inspiration the Grand Dame of Fashion took from the art and interiors of the Wallace Collection in London, which marked the mid-point of a particularly creative period for the designer.

The Museum has also partnered with Northumbria University to bring Westwood’s pattern cutting techniques to life in video showing how she created her iconic garments that still inspire creatives
today.

An events programme suitable for all ages accompanies the display with spotlight tours led by Rachel Whitworth, Curator (Fashion & Textiles) and fashion and textile artist Betty Brown will be leading workshops to design fashion sketchbooks and free-standing card mannequins for over 15s. There will also be activities linked to the display for younger audiences in the Create gallery.

Full details are on the website.

Vicky Sturrs, the Museum’s Director of Programmes and Collections, said: “We are delighted to be working with Peter once again to show the relevance of Westwood’s designs in the cultural space and hope that this show along with the accompanying programme will really inspire our visitors.”

Framing Fashion: Art and Inspiration from a Private Collection of Vivienne Westwood is open from
19 October 2024 until 2 March 2025.