MA Historical Costume students from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) have collaborated with the National Trust to bring an extraordinary piece of 18th-century Anglo-Indian history to life.
The stunning garment is a central feature of Kingston Lacy’s summer exhibition, Rani Lacy: Revealing an Indian Treasure, which runs until 23 October 2026 at the Dorset property near Wimborne.
As part of a major Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) project commissioned by the National Trust, students from AUB’s MA Historical Costume course have designed and crafted a bespoke 18th century-style dress inspired by one of Kingston Lacy’s finest treasures: a newly conserved, ivory-inlaid cabinet affectionately nicknamed Rani Lacy – Rani being a traditional Sanskrit and Hindi term that translates directly to Queen in English.
The dress was designed by Coriander, an MA Historical Costume student, and meticulously brought to life by a dedicated team of fellow MA Historical Costume students.
The design directly mirrors the intricate craftsmanship, Anglo-Indian fusion, and elegant floral motifs found on the historic Visakhapatnam cabinet, which has just returned to the estate following a painstaking, year-long specialist conservation project.
“The Rani Lacy project was of particular interest to me because of its unconventional nature," says Coriander. "Much of my previous design work has centred on translating characters from written narratives into visual form. In contrast, designing a costume inspired by a piece of furniture presents a completely different kind of challenge.
“The primary source of inspiration for this project was the cabinet itself, and I aimed to interpret its architectural qualities and intricate decorative details within an entirely new medium.”
Dr Rebecca Pride, MA Historical Costume Course Leader and Production Practice Associate Professor at AUB, adds, “We are absolutely thrilled to have completed the Rani Lacy project in partnership with the National Trust at Kingston Lacy.
“This RKE commission provided an incredible opportunity for our MA Historical Costume students to apply their advanced technical skills to a live, high-profile brief. Seeing their work displayed alongside such a magnificent, historically significant artefact is a proud moment for the course.”
Originally created in the 18th century in the Indian trading port of Visakhapatnam, the cabinet blends European furniture forms, such as cabriole legs, with traditional Indian flora and fauna. The AUB-crafted dress captures this unique cultural intersection, beautifully interpreting the cabinet's detailed ivory engravings and local botanical patterns into textile form.
The installation forms part of a wider summer programme at Kingston Lacy celebrating diversity, heritage, and historic craftsmanship. Visitors can view the AUB-designed dress on display in the exhibition alongside the fully restored cabinet, exploring the shared stories of making, materials, and creative conservation.
