Behind the seams: secrets from the women's fashion collection
Hat House, 32 Guildford Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2NR
Starting at the beginning of 2026, a group of volunteers have been auditing the extensive collections looked after by The Culture Trust, Luton, assessing and photographing some of the extraordinary items held by the museums. With everything from ornamental fans to wedding dresses and many hats, it’s a treasure trove of history just waiting to be uncovered.
For this exhibition, a small selection of the women’s clothing which has been audited by the group will be on display, with each volunteer choosing one or two of their favourite pieces which they feel deserve some time in the spotlight.
Each of these items carries its own history with it, in the design of the clothing itself, but also in what it can tell us about the wider history of the time in which it was made, and the deeply personal stories which each garment no doubt contains.
Just scraping the surface of what has been found, this exhibition is designed to give a taste of what the museum holds in store.
Timings
- Friday 11 September:
- 10am – 4pm
- Saturday 12 September:
- 10am – 4pm
- Monday 14 September:
- 10am – 4pm
- Wednesday 16 September:
- 10am – 4pm
- Friday 18 September:
- 10am-4pm
Location & directions
Hat House, 32 Guildford Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2NR
- Contact on day:
- Serenella Sessini
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
