We look back at our favourite exhibitions of the year…
Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop, Fashion & Textile Museum:
This impressively displayed exhibition is available to view until March 2026, so we do highly recommend that you do visit! Offering detailed and comprehensive insights into some of the extraordinary costumes created by the company over the last sixty years. Among the costumes on display are from the iconic 1995 BBC tv series of Pride & Prejudice, Downton Abbey and the ITV series Victoria. It is both a thoughtful and insightful exhibition – perfect for those looking to get into the industry themselves.
Cartier, Victoria and Albert Museum:
Celebrating the work of the famed jeweller, this exquisitely designed show captures perfectly the timeless quality of the work that this company creates. This dazzling display of jewellery was dazzling not only what was displayed but also how it went into detail as to how many of the pieces were created. Every room was a real thrill to enter -, never knowing exactly what to expect and it was interesting to explore how different countries has influenced its work over the years.
Marilyn the Exhibition, The Arches:
Featuring many of personal items of the much beloved actress, this exhibition was a concise and thoughtful exhibition that showcased the actress in a completely different light. Away from the characters she would play on screen, this exhibition showcased what a strong personality she was and how she would do a lot to improve herself. It was a very intimate portrayal of the actress and the items selected to be displayed were clearly chosen with great care.
Ancient India: Living Traditions, British Museum:
This is certainly one of the most colourful exhibitions that we visited this year. Exploring the origins of the art for the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions, there was a great reverence for the subject on display for the show that was wonderfully curated. As well as objects, there were films showcasing how each religion is still celebrated to this day. It also felt immersive with curtains that swished effortlessly as you wonder around combined with a variety of natural sounds through the soundscape makes you feel that you are stepping into a different world. it was a very calming and respectful exhibition to visit.
It has to be said that Victoria and Albert Museum know exactly how to put on a grand affair in terms of the way in which their exhibitions created and this one devoted to the former French Queen is no exception. Royally designed, every section feels as though you were stepping into a different era and aspect of her life through style effortlessly. It was fascinating to see how she used fashion and style to highlight different aspects of her personality (although very few of her items of clothing are in existence following the events of the French Revolution) and it had influence on her subjects. But equally of fascination is the way in which the show reveals how Marie Antoinette’s style is still influential to this day.
Dress Codes, Kensington Palace:
Sticking with a royal theme, this year we also enjoyed paying a visit to Kensington Palace to see its latest exhibition exploring the importance of dress codes and how it can be used to make a subtle but powerful statement – particularly in royal households. Every item was selected with care and provided fascinating insights. There is even an argument that it could have been given more space to breathe and expand.