DISPLAY: Romancing the 18th Century from Rococo to Stage
In collaboration with the Malvern Theatre Players this exhibition will combine the museums collection with costume.
With the recent success of other exhibitions at the V&A focusing on Mary Antoinette, both the real women and the 2006 film. We take a closer at look at why this period of time is so often romanticised.
From extreme silhouette to powered wigs, why can't we get enough of 18th Century fashion?
now - 1st October
Open now!
June 2026:
20th June
WORKSHOP:
Silk Fibre Paper Making
During this 2 hour workshop Nicky will show you how to make paper with cocoon stripping's, dried flowers, angelica and other fibres.
Come away with your own beautiful handmade paper.
No experince needed.
info@fashionmuseummalvern.co.uk
20th June
5pm - 7pm
£20 per ticket
28th June
10 am - 4pm
Free Entry
Vintage & Craft Market
On the last Saturday every other month we hold a vintage and craft market inside The Museum of Fashion Malvern.
This market is host to some amazing vintage collectors and local artisans. You will find retro clothing, vintage materials, alongside handmade gifts. If you get tired of checking out the stalls you can also take this opportunity to learn more about local fashion fashion hisotry through our rotating displays.
July 2026:
11th July
WORKSHOP:
Bead Artwork
With Wendy
Give preloved beads a new life with this fun workshop hosted by Wendy.
During this 2 hour session you will be using both paint and beads onto canvas to create your one beautiful piece of artwork!
info@fashionmuseummalvern.co.uk
1st July
Time, choose from:
10am - 12pm
2pm - 4pm
6pm - 8pm
£10 per ticket
TALK:
Queen Charlotte : representations, mis-representations and beyond.
By Lucy Haigh
From political satire to Bridgerton, Lucy Haigh will be discussing the myths and realties surrounding Queen Charlotte.
During her time as consort her physical appearance, intellect and feminity was questioned as a multitude of political cartoons were published depicting her. How did she choose to potray herself through portraiture and royal commissions in contract to this negative light and what similarities can be drawn to the way women are depicated in modern press today.
info@fashionmuseummalvern.co.uk
11th July 6pm
£10 per ticket
17th July
TALK:
From Catwalk to Stage
by Anthea Nakorn
Fashion, always looking for new ways to reinvent itself: hanging onto the coat-tails of ‘high art’, theatre. What better way than through a free fashion show and surrounding publicity in both theatre and fashion media, whether opera, dance or dramatic intervention? The performance gains too, through updating sometimes moribund works, giving them a contemporary edge. And of course fashion shows are performances in their own right, with the audience being an integral part of the show. To see and be seen. Strutting your stuff. Performative indeed.
But of course all is not quite what it seems. Smoke and mirrors. That's theatre!
Drawing on her work in both theatre and fashion, Anthea will talk about designers working in theatre, and maybe spill a secret or two about such collaborations.
info@fashionmuseummalvern.co.uk
17th July 6pm
£10 per ticket
18th July
TALK:
A conversation with Dr Kate Lister
From the host of award-winning History Hit podcast Betwixt the Sheets is Dr Kate Listers new book 'Flick'.
There is a common misconception that before modern day feminism, women throughout history simply lay back and thought of England or their respective place of origin; that the modern ‘sex positive’ movement is a radical break from the past. But women demanding better sex did not arrive with free love or the Rampant Rabbit. It has been a very long fight indeed.
From Ancient Mesopotamian sex goddesses to the contraceptive pill, Kate Lister takes us through history to show us how women’s sexual pleasure was controlled, understood and thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed.
Join us for a conversation between Dr Kate Lister and our curator Jazmine Horsfall. To book please email : info@fashionmuseummalvern.co.uk
18th July 6pm
£15 per ticket
TALK:
Beauty and Cosmetics in the Time of Jane Austen
By Sarah Jane Downing
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single woman in possession of good looks must be in want of ways to enhance her beauty...
This beautifully illustrated talk will reveal the secrets that every Regency heroine should know about being beautiful, from her glossy ringlets to her well-turned toes.
Taking the span of Jane Austen’s life (1775- 1817) Sarah Jane Downing author of Beauty and Cosmetics in the Time of Jane Austen and Beauty and Cosmetics 1550-1950 will explore the trends and changes in philosophy, literature, and art that transformed the concept of beauty from the pretty, powdered, porcelain doll of the Georgian court to the healthy, fresh complexion of Elizabeth Bennet.
Sarah will also be bringing along some of her personal collection of fashion plates for viewing.
info@fashionmuseummalvern.co.uk
22nd August 6pm
£15 per ticket