Behind the Scenes: Preparing a Historic Outfit for Display

For this month’s Outfit of the Month talk, visitors will have a special opportunity to see some of the careful work involved in preparing historic clothing for the gallery.

Kathy Greensides, Kaiwhakaahua me te Kaiāwhina Kohinga | Photographer & Collections Assistant, will demonstrate how an historic outfit is mounted on a mannequin. She will show how the appropriate underpinnings are selected and fitted to create the right silhouette, while providing the support needed to protect fragile textiles.

Alongside the demonstration, we will explore the story and style of a 19th-century jacket and skirt from the Museum’s collection. Dating from around 1878, the ensemble reflects the fashions of its time, including the influence of men’s tailoring and naval uniform on women’s clothing.

This is a rare opportunity to see some of the specialist work that takes place behind the scenes at the Museum and to discover how historic clothing is prepared for display while being cared for as part of the collection.

📅 Friday 4 September
🕧 12.15pm
📍 Whanganui Regional Museum
🎫 Free admission
💛 Koha is always appreciated

Everyone is welcome. No need to book. The jacket and skirt will remain on display throughout September.