A new exhibition at Polesden Lacey

Historical fashion meets politics and power in a new exhibition at Polesden Lacey called Dress to Impress, the exhibition explores how fashion in art has reflected power and personality through the ages – and is continuing to influence the next generation of designers.

From 2 May to 2 November, visitors to Polesden Lacey near Dorking can enjoy a captivating journey through the glamour and extravagance of fashion in art at the former home of Edwardian society hostess, Margaret Greville. Dress to Impress delves into the way people dressed and explores coded messages about power, politics and personality. It looks both at dress and social influence and includes historic fashion displays, new designs, photographs, films and talks.

Four paintings that have been conserved recently at the National Trust’s Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio at Knole feature in the exhibition. These include a glamorous portrait by Johann Zoffany of Eva Maria Garrick, 18th-century dancer and wife of acclaimed actor David Garrick, dressed in shimmering silk for a masquerade ball. Meanwhile, a group portrait of ‘The Paterson Children’ by Henry Raeburn, is among works looking at how children were depicted and how these became less formal in their dress, poses and interactions between siblings.

…a glamorous portrait by Johann Zoffany of Eva Maria Garrick, 18th-century dancer and wife of acclaimed actor David Garrick, dressed in shimmering silk for a masquerade ball…

Photography, and how it captured the way people dressed, is also explored in the exhibition, with particular focus on the work of early 20th-century photographer Alice Hughes. Objects from Polesden Lacey’s collection are displayed alongside loans from other National Trust properties and external museums and collectors. These include an embroidered Japanese kimono once owned by Queen Mary, a friend of Margaret Greville.

The next generation of costume design talent is also showcased, in a collaboration with Wimbledon College of Arts, part of University of the Arts London (UAL). Final year students on the College’s BA (Hons) Costume for Theatre and Screen course have designed costumes inspired by, and some meticulously reconstructing, the fancy dress attire featured in Margaret Greville’s photograph album of the 1897 Devonshire House Ball. This opulent event was considered the social highlight of the year, graced by
royalty and the aristocracy.

According to National Trust Curator, Alice Strickland, “We can’t wait for visitors to experience this journey through fashion and accessories in art. This is not only an opportunity to see gorgeous historic garments and artworks on display but to enjoy films and talks, and to get playful, with replica dress to try on and a chance to pose for your own photographs in Alice Hughes’ recreated photographic studio.”

…a group portrait of ‘The Paterson Children’ by Henry Raeburn, is among works looking at how children were depicted and how these became less formal in their dress, poses and interactions between siblings…

She continues, “We are delighted there will be a modern twist on the exhibition by welcoming students from Wimbledon College of Arts with their work. It will be exciting to see how this next generation of fashion designers have been inspired by the Devonshire House Ball and the fabulous costumes that were worn there.”

The exhibition is also enhanced by dress historians, theatrical fashion designers and fashion collectors whose work explores how the Georgians dressed, the wearing of ruffs through history, and the recreation of fashion depicted in artworks on display.

Dress to Impress runs daily throughout the house at Polesden Lacey from 2 May until 2 November, 11am to 3.30pm.

A lively programme of spring and summer events is also running in the grounds during May and June, including a family trail for the May half-term holiday and a celebration of the beautiful roses growing in the gardens (24 May to 30 June). Free, live jazz performances take place on the South Lawn as part of Polesden Lacey’s popular ‘Lazy Jazz’ programme on Bank Holiday weekends (3-5 May, 24-26 May and 23-25 August), as well as Sundays in June, July and August and 7, 13 and 14 September. 2pm to 4pm.

More details about Dress to Impress and other summer events at Polesden Lacey is available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey.