Step behind the scenes at the Folk and Costume Museum and discover the careful, creative process behind selecting the historic garments featured in our latest exhibition "Inside Out: The Hidden Craftsmanship of Victorian Dress".
From delicate silks and hand-stitched seams to garments shaped by real lives and lived experience, every piece tells a story. But how do you choose which stories to share? In this short film, Costume Curator Caro Drake, reveals the journey from archive to display — exploring how we assess condition, craftsmanship, historical significance, and the quiet, often unseen details hidden within each garment.
You’ll see how pieces are studied and ultimately brought together to form a compelling narrative that reflects both fashion and social history.
Along the way, we share the challenges, surprises, and moments of discovery that shape the exhibition — from uncovering hidden construction techniques to recognising the marks of wear that connect us to the people who once wore these clothes. Whether you’re passionate about textiles, fascinated by history, or simply curious about what happens behind museum doors, this film offers a rare glimpse into the art of curation.
Every garment has a story. This is how we choose which ones to tell.