FASHION AT PLAY

FASHION AT PLAY
A vintage Little Bo Peep costume proudly worn by a Leeds girl more than 120 years ago has been restored to its former glory ahead of a new exhibition.

Records show the beautiful, dainty garment was Gladys Redman’s fancy dress outfit when she attended a prestigious chapel concert, held in Leeds in 1900.

Although the dress later became part of the Leeds Museums and Galleries collection, years of enthusiastic wear and tear by its former owner had sadly taken their toll.

But now, thanks to a restoration project supported by The Friends of Leeds City Museums, the newly restored dress will be one of the star exhibits in Fashion at Play, an exhibition opening at Lotherton in the spring, exploring the fascinating story of children’s fashions through the ages.

Gladys’ costume was bought from Mrs Walter Sugden, a specialist children’s clothing shop, established in 1861 on Commercial Street, Leeds.

The shop sold baby linen and other ready to wear children’s clothing as well as women’s fashions and fancy dress costumes.

Fancy dress balls and parties became extremely popular in the 1800s for both adults and children, with guest donning elaborate, elegant and expensive outfits.

An album of photographs, which will also be on display as part of the exhibition,  documents a spectacular children’s fancy dress ball hosted at Leeds Town Hall by the mayor and mayoress of Leeds, Mr and Mrs Alf Cooke, on January 12, 1891.

Nearly 400 children from well-to do -families attended, with each child dressed in a beautiful costume depicting everything from fairytale characters to famous figures from history.

Other objects on display will examine the changing styles worn by babies, children and teenagers and look at how they continue to influence modern trends.

Fashion at Play will be at Lotherton from March 1, 2025. For more details, please visit: Fashion at Play | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

You must be logged in to post a comment Login