A stunning replica 18th century dress first exhibited at Arts University Bournemouth’s Postgraduate Summer Shows 2025 has now taken centre stage at the Blandford Fashion Museum.
The popular museum unveiled two exciting new exhibitions this month: Youthquake, celebrating the free-spirited fashion of the 1960s, and 20th Century Brides an elegant exploration of bridal fashion through the decades.
The 18th-century dress, a replica from the museum’s collection, was expertly made by Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) graduate, Jazmine Carroll, and beautifully embroidered by Fleur Webb, both from MA Historical Costume at AUB.
“It’s wonderful to see this exceptional work progress from the Postgraduate Summer Shows 2025 to a major museum display with this exquisite dress now serving as the central exhibit for the reopening of the museum," comments Associate Professor Rebecca Pride, course leader of MA Historical Costume.
“Arts University Bournemouth is extremely proud of the outstanding talent and craftsmanship demonstrated by its students and graduates. Congratulations to Jazmine Carroll and Fleur Webb on this fantastic achievement.”
AUB students also supported with Blandford Fashion Museum’s Youthquake:1960s, as part of the Fashioning Our Future project with The Salisbury Museum. Thanks to funding received from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Fashioning Our Future project, students from AUB and local Sixth Formers worked with the museum team to bring to life this dynamic exhibition.
Choosing objects from the museum’s extensive fashion collection, the students explored 1960s boutique fashion alongside homemade garments encapsulating the free-spirited energy of the '60s.
Many of the garments featured in the exhibition represent innovative sartorial statements of the 1960s, expressed through bold pieces made at home. This adventurous attitude to style is a theme that resonated with the students, aligning with their concerns around sustainability and making conscious fashion choices.
For Blandford Fashion Museum working with students to co-curate an exhibition was a new approach, Collections Manager Katie Godman reflects on the process:
“Co-curating an exhibition with students was a new experience at Blandford Fashion Museum and one that we thoroughly enjoyed.
“The students brought energy and fresh ideas to our exhibition programme. We are looking forward to sharing the results with our visitors.”
