We were invited to visit Blandford Fashion Museum recently. A visit to North Dorset and Blandford Forum offers the pretty Georgian market town in Dorset with plenty of things to do.
Getting To Blandford Fashion Museum
You’ll find the Blandford Fashion Museum just off the main one way system. The museum’s address is Lime Tree House, 11 The Plocks, Blandford Forum DT11 7AA.
If you’re driving to Blandford Fashion Museum, then follow the one way system round to the right up Salisbury Street. There is some on street parking just outside the museum, and also a short stay car park in Church Lane close by.
Related post – Find all the car parks in Blandford
History Of Blandford Fashion Museum
After the Great Fire of Blandford in 1731, most of the town was destroyed. Lime Tree House, now home to the Blandford Fashion Museum was built by the Bastard brothers after the fire.
Mrs Betty Penny MBE bought Lime Tree House to be able to house her collection of historic costumes. The Blandford Fashion Museum then opened in 1996.
Today, the museum has grown to accommodate thirteen display spaces which span across two floors. In 2010, it was accredited by the Arts Council, and aside from small grants from the local Town Council, no other funding is received.
Exhibitions At Blandford Fashion Museum
During our visit to Blandford Fashion Museum, we were treated to some fascinating exhibitions showcasing fashion through the years. Exhibitions do change from time to time, however the following exhibitions are what were on display during our visit.
1920s Exhibition
We began our journey on the ground floor with the 1920’s exhibition. Showing the contrast of a working class family in the 1920’s and then a middle class family from the same era. It’s amazing to see just how the clothes changed according to class.
Georgian Exhibition
Into the Georgian room we saw a typical Georgian room. Showcasing two ladies dressed in true Georgian style, and even a special Regency Spencer jacket which was donated in 2020 during the first lockdown.
Edwardian Exhibition
Currently in the reception room of the museum, you’ll find Edwardian fashion. There is also a very special tapestry on the wall which was made by a 14 year old girl in 1874. The tapestry is made of cross stitch and petit point using wool and silk. The tapestry took four years to complete.
Lace And Buttons In Fashion
The history of lace and buttons, including the famous Dorset Buttons are showcased alongside a collection of country bonnets through the years. Seeing the Dorset Buttons took me back to my childhood when my Mum used to make them.
And So To Bed Exhibition
There is a very fascinating room showcasing how nightwear has evolved and changed over the years. The difference even between nightwear in the 1940s to the 1960s is quite remarkable.
Underwear In The 19th Century
Ladies dresses and skirts changed a lot during the 19th Century. Hems were often stuffed with horse hair, and sometimes there were seven or eight petticoats underneath dresses.
Crinoline cage underskirts were worn and were often very stifling to ladies in extreme heat. Crinoline was also very flammable which wasn’t ideal.
Fashion On Loan
Blandford Fashion Museum currently has a special dress on loan from the famous fashion designer Bruce Oldfield’s archive collection. He designed Queen Camilla’s dress for the Coronation, to name just one of his many famous clients.
1950s Exhibition
There is currently a 1950s exhibition on display at Blandford Fashion Museum. As well as the typical fashion through the 1950s, there is also a special exhibition for the Platinum Jubilee and then also the King’s Coronation.
Blandford Fashion Museum Facilities
If you have an interest in fashion through the years, then I highly recommend a visit. The entry price is very reasonable, and there is also a lovely tea room offering refreshments during your visit.
There is also a handy resource room in the museum. The chance to be used by students studying fashion and textiles. There is also a lecture room on site as well.
Don’t forget to go to the top of the house to find the dressing up area! Visit the Museum website to find out more information.