Imagine discovering that your mother had carefully stored your teenage wardrobe in the attic, only to be discovered by you a few decades later. That is exactly what happened to Sue Coyle, the generous benefactor of garments making up the majority of this year's new fashion exhibition "From Cobblestones to Catwalks", which title draws on the beautifully cobbled High Street of St. Peter Port and some catwalk styles and designer names of the 1970s.
Sue’s collection offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday fashion on the Island—a true time-capsule of style.
What makes this collection so special? Museums usually preserve wardrobes belonging to celebrities or historical figures, but Sue’s is different. It tells the story of an ordinary girl growing up in Guernsey, making it both rare and relatable. In fact, what you see here is only about a third of her wardrobe! Most of Sue’s outfits came from Guernsey’s High Street, with a few treasured pieces ordered from catalogues or picked up on family visits to Swindon, UK.
Do you still have all your clothes from your teenage years? Most of us don’t—making Sue’s collection even more remarkable.
Step back in style and prepare to channel your inner Margo Leadbetter!
On the ground floor, we enter the Final Year of ‘A League of Gentlemen’ a tribute to remarkable Island men, their stories of courage and ties to Elizabeth College – including a connection to the Bowes-Lyon branch of the Royal Family. A must-see for history and military enthusiasts.
The Folk and Costume Museum at Saumarez Park, GY5 7UJ
Open 7 days a week | 10am – 5pm | Free entry: access-friendly with a lift to the first-floor costume exhibition | Nearby parking | Bus routes: 41 & 42 | Perry's Guide: 15G2