Lesser Known Costume Collections: Scotland, Wales & Ireland

Primary research is crucial to informing our own work of sewing and costume research, as you may know I have started a search for lesser known costume collections within the United Kingdom and Ireland. This is my final post in my lesser known collections series of posts, I have picked out a selection of collections from Scotland, Wales & both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Through these posts I hope I have been able to introduce you to some collections you didn't already know about.

ABERDEEN ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM Schoolhill Aberdeen AB9 1FQ 01224 523700 -Has a costume collection but it is not permanently on display, however there looks to be at least one costume or textiles exhibition on across the museum's venues each year. Features a collection of fashion sketches and garments by Bill Gibb; and features a large collection of watercolour sketches by David Allan of traditional Italian and French dress from the Eighteenth Century. info@aagm.co.uk http://www.aagm.co.uk/

THE ARGORY 144 Derrycaw Road Moy Dungannon County Armagh BT71 6NA 02887 784753 - This is a recently rediscovered collection of costume and accessories from the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Century. Highlights include embroidered men's waistcoats from the Eighteenth Century and ladies' clothing and accessories from the Twentieth Century. Not all of the collection is on display, therefore please contact the museum for study enquires. Paid entry, free to National Trust members. argory@nationaltrust.org.uk http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/argory/visitor-information/

THE BURRELL COLLECTION Pollock Country Park 2060 Pollokshaws Road Glasgow G43 1AT 0141 287 2550 - This collection includes a fantastic selection of early Seventeenth Century costume, textiles and accessories. Highlights include a rare crimson silk satin embroidered petticoat believed to have belonged to Anne of Denmark; as well as nightcaps, lace, tapestry, coifs, sweet bags and an embroidered women's waistcoat as seen in the Janet Arnold Patterns of Fashion book. Free entry. museums@glasgowlife.org.uk http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/burrell-collection/Pages/default.aspx

MUSEUM OF WELSH LIFE St Fagans Cardiff South Glamorgan CF5 6XB 029 2057 3500 - Extensive collection of costume, accessories, and textiles from the Eighteenth Century onwards, focus on items from or produced in Wales. Library collection of vintage magazines, dress patterns, fashion prints and other items linked to costume and textiles. The costume galleries are currently closed for the next year due to major redevelopment, enquiries regarding study visits and when the collection will become available again via the website. Free entry. http://www.nmgw.ac.uk/

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND – DECORATIVE ARTS & HISTORY Collins Barracks Benburb Street Dublin 7 +35 316777444 - This collection contains 2,000 items of Irish and English costumes, mostly female, from the Eighteenth Century to the present. There are examples of religious vestments, legal and academic robes, court dress, and items relating to the design and production of Irish clothing. Research visits must be booked in advance. Free entry. http://www.museum.ie/en/intro/arts-and-history.aspx

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND Chambers Street Edinburgh EH1 1JF 03001 236789 - Large collection of costume, accessories and textiles, with the majority of the costume from the Eighteenth Century onwards. Highlights of the collection include examples of Harris tweeds, traditional wools & tartans, traditional Scottish dress and textiles from the 1400's onwards. Study visits can be arranged in advance through the collections department. Free entry. http://www.nms.ac.uk/our_museums/national_museum.aspx

SPRINGHILL 20 Springhill Road Moneymore Magherafelt County Londonderry BT45 7NQ 02886748210 - This celebrated Costume Collection features items dating from the Eighteenth to Twentieth Century, mostly items made or worn by local people. The current exhibition includes costumes and accessories worn by the Lenox-Conyngham family since 1775. Paid entry, free to National Trust members. springhill@nationaltrust.org.uk http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/springhill/

ULSTER FOLK & TRANSPORT MUSEUM Cultra Holywood BT18 0EU 02890 428428 - This collection includes over 1,000 items of costume and accessories from the Eighteenth Century onwards, however the majority are from the period 1840-1910. Most of the collection is women's clothing, but there are equal amounts of menswear and children's clothing. The collection holds an extensive display of Irish lace, linen, embroidery and quilts. The museum also features a reproduction of a drapers shop from 1907. Paid entry. http://www.nmni.com/uftm/Collections/Textiles---Costume/Clothing#sthash.KFNeRnzM.dpuf