Join us on an exclusive visit to the research collections of Leicestershire County Council’s Museum Service for a corset filled day!
This is a unique opportunity to join other Society members at a visit to the Collections Resources Centre; the home of Leicestershire County Council’s fashion collection and the internationally famous Symington Collection of corsetry, foundation garments and swimwear; the focus of which will be women’s bodices and the corsets and bust shapers which created ‘ideal’ torso shapes between 1870 and 1910.
Join us at The Collections Resources Centre, 31-33 Hayhill, Leicestershire LE12 8LD on Saturday 1st June 2024 from 11.30am -3.30pm. for a private viewing of garments from the collections including day and evening bodices, corsets and the innovative bust shapers of the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. In a session led by Sarah Nicol (Curator, Engaging Collections) and Philip Warren (Collections and Learning Manager and Chair of the Costume Society) you will be able to study in detail the garments that shaped the bodies and made up the wardrobes of the woman.
If you are passionate about the Victorian period, fascinated by corsetry or love visiting museum collections then this is a visit for you! In two groups you will have the opportunity to look at, and talk to the curators about, both day and evening bodices and corsetry and other related foundation garments. Highlights of the collection include smartly tailored daytime and lavishly decorated evening bodies - including garments by Worth and Doucet; corsets for day, evening sports and maternity and innovative bust shapers designed to ‘improve’ the line of the breasts.
Please note: The Collections Resources Centre has no disabled access to the first floor, which is where part of the visit will take place. There will be long periods of standing viewing the collections so please bear this in mind when you consider purchasing a ticket.
Sileby Station, which is the nearest station has no disabled access and has steep steps from the platforms. The Collections Centre is a 25-minute walk from the station.
Tea and coffee will be served on arrival and in the afternoon, but there is no provision for lunch, and there is nowhere to buy lunch near the Collections centre, so please bring a packed lunch if you wish to eat during the break at around 1.15pm.
Joining details and travel advice can be supplied. Places are limited to 16.
This is part of the Society’s work to give its members opportunities to view collection which would normally only be available by appointment
