Click on the relevant period to view a slideshow displaying examples of clothing that we have previously made for this period.

The Medieval Age Of Chivalry 1100 - 1485
The dawn of fashion as we think of it today, the medieval age evokes images of flowing, elegant gowns and colourful parti-coloured clothing, with dagges, tippets and braids for ornament for both men & women. Although there are many fashion changes throughout the period, it is a long period of time and therefore the changing trends are relatively slow.

The Tudor Dynasty 1485 - 1600
At a time when plotting, intrigue and subterfuge were recognised past-times, a persons wealth or aspirations to status was often ostentatiously displayed upon their back. One might be forgiven for thinking that the clothing was so highly ornamented for the sake of it. On the other hand, it kept the tailors busy……..a fashion plot perhaps?

The English Civil War & La Belle Baroque 1600 - 1700
Fashion changes are now really speeding up - we see red and blackwork used for decoration to linens and outerwear alike and all manner of ribbons and braids are sported in huge quantities, especially in the early years of Charles II reign.

The Georgian Age of Reason 1700 - 1795
Throughout the 1700's the embroiderers were much in demand, this being largely the preferred ornament to clothing for both men and women. The decorative needlework was highly skilled and often rendered in a way that might be thought of as photographic to the modern eye. It is often hard to imagine how such lavish decoration was completed prior to the next change in fashion.

The Regency & Napoleon 1795 - 1820
At this point in history, fashion still had it all to play for and so we see an emerging fashion in the Empire Gown, a new style for the ladies using fine light muslins that evoked the romance of a bygone age. Aptly named as Nelson and Wellington were both doing their part to establish the notion of Empire in the minds and hearts of the English. Whereas to celebrate their numerous victories, civilian fashion took on a military style in an expression of patriotism.

The Victorian & Edwardians - Full Steam Ahead! 1820 - 1910.
From the early 19th C onwards, fashion changes seasonally rather than annually and is now more often the womens domain. Although there is plenty of clever ornamentation to be seen, the art of Victorian dress is all about what is not seen, but rather heard or imagined. The rustle of cambric underskirts was thought of as sensual. This preoccupation with the hidden is readily seen in the many punch caricatures envisaging corset & crinoline accidents and is readily alluded to in many of the paintings throughout the period.