Bankfield Museum, 2026

The Costume Society is excited to be supporting Bankfield Museum with an Elizabeth Hammond Conservation Grant.

The Bankfield team have identified a c.1840s man’s tailcoat as having special local importance – enough to display it in their forthcoming exhibition ‘Fashion Extremes’.

The piece is unique in the institution’s collection – the Bankfield Museum have only a few garments from this period and even fewer menswear examples. Conservation treatment of this man’s tailcoat will give Bankfield’s curators an exciting opportunity to display the object, allow free public access and, through evaluation, give insight into future impact through study days and further exhibitions. 

The tailcoat is currently in a poor state with damage, staining and clumsy previous alterations. Conservator Kate Stockwell will oversee the assessment and conservation of the object.

The tailcoat has a wider significance to the United Kingdom, as it belonged to Dr John Waggett between 1840-1846, a leading physician in London in the middle of the 19th century. The tailcoat may have been purchased for his wedding or to look fashionable in London whilst setting up his medical practice. 

In the ‘Fashion Extremes’ exhibition, the tailcoat will explore how the 1840s achieved an exaggerated silhouette. It is very characteristic of the early 1840s, made of navy-blue wool, double breasted with wide velvet collar and elongated, slightly puffed sleeves. The back features long tails, which have since been cut, removing fullness in the skirt.

Fashion Extremes is on until 19th December 2026. It draws upon the museums exceptional collection, exploring 250 years of everyday fashions that go beyond the practical & make a statement. From scandalously short miniskirts to voluminous sleeves, towering platform heels & extremely wide skirts to bold clashing colours & flared trousers - every era has its own fashion trend that breaks the rules & makes a statement. 

It features costumes that have rarely or never been on display before, and alongside the exhibition the museum will be running be running an events programme throughout the year. One event is Costume Study Session: Made in Halifax on 16th September 2026. The session will explore a selection of fashion made & bought in Halifax & the surrounding local area, from the mid-19th to 20th century.

The Costume Society really looks forward to seeing the results of this conservation work on display soon.