The legacy of the late Betty Penny MBE, the Blandford Fashion Museum showcases over 200 years of the fashions and trends that have influenced our clothes and filled our wardrobes.
Set in a gorgeous Dorset Georgian townhouse called Lime Tree House, the Blandford Fashion Museum is a volunteer-run museum showcasing women’s, men’s and children’s clothing. A superb insight into the fashions and trends that have dictated our styles and filled our highstreets since the 18th century, the museum is a must-visit for fashionistas of all generations.
Open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 4.30pm, the Blandford Fashion Museum invites visitors on a whirlwind tour of fashion through the ages. Founded by the late Mrs Betty Penny MBE in 1996, the museum received accredited status by the Arts Council in 2010 and is led entirely by volunteers.
Regularly updated and expanded, the museum’s exhibitions (including 13 display spaces over two floors) each have their own specific story and reveal how fashion has changed throughout the ages. Starting with costumes and accessories from the 18th century and running right the way through to the late 20th century, it provides a wonderful visual representation of the way styles have developed.
A fantastic resource for students, the exhibitions not only display historic dress, textiles and techniques, but also show the link between fashion and social history. Making the museum more accessible for younger visitors too, there is also a fun selection of children's activities, including a trail, quiz sheet and a replica crinoline and corset to try on. Take your little ones along and see what they think to the trends of the ages!
Once you have completed your tour of the museum, follow your nose to the tearoom where you will be greeted by a mouth-watering selection of drinks, cakes and bakes. In winter, a Dorset cream tea will be a lovely belly warmer, whilst in summer a cool drink in the enclosed courtyard garden will be a real pleaser. Round off your visit with a peek in the shop, perhaps picking up a book, postcard or gift.
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Lime Tree House, The Plocks, Blandford Forum DT11 7AA | 01258 453 006 | www.blandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk
