What’s On

Old knickers are set to frill again in Berwick

Posted by Simon Honeysett on Sep 23, 08 09:59 AM in What’s On

COLLECTORS of historic underwear believe Berwick would provide a blooming good base to exhibit their wares, which are definitely not no-frills.

Museum visitors are already being offered the chance to view the very private collection at the town's museum and art gallery.

Naomi Kenny, looking at some underwear from the 1930s

And collectors Priscilla Elias and Naomi Kenny, pictured, hope Undercover Story could turn into a permanent showcase for undies down the ages.

From the corsets of the Victorians to the generous bloomers worn during the American Civil War, the exhibition boasts more than a brief history of undergarments.

It has been organised by friends Priscilla Elias, from Alnwick, and Naomi Kenny, from Berwick.

Mrs Elias said: "Naomi is a retired seamstress and I work in the wardrobe department of Alnwick Playhouse, so our interest in clothes meant that we both thought it would be a good idea to try to document the history of ordinary people's underwear throughout the ages.

"We have all sorts in the collection, including items from the mend-and-make-do era of World War Two and even a pair handed down by someone's great-great-grandmother.

"These days when it's easier to go out and buy something new rather than repair things you already own, it's often forgotten just how skilled and resourceful people had to be with their clothes.

"It is an extremely unusual exhibition, but everyone that has came to see it has really enjoyed it and are surprised at how interesting they have found the items."

The pair have been collecting underwear for three years and eventually hope to create a permanent home in the region for the hundreds of items they now have to display.

Jim Herbert, from the museum, said: "The Undercover Story is a new and unusual exhibition that will take people down memory lane. The response from visitors has been very positive.

"Clothing is an integral part of social history and the dedicated collection of these items will form an invaluable resource for people in the years to come."

Organisers are asking anyone with any items they would like to donate to do so by contacting the museum.

The Undercover Story will run on Wednesdays to Sundays until September 28 at Berwick Museum and Art Gallery, Berwick Barracks, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The museum is open from 10am until 5pm and admission is £3.50 for adults, £2.80 for concessions and £1.80 for children. For further information, call the museum on (01289) 301869 or visit www.berwickmuseum.org.uk.

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