During my time at university, I have realised my passion for construction and recreation of period dress. I have focused on expanding my technical and cutting skills while gaining the confidence to apply these in industry.

During my final year, I have created costumes for shows including a pantomime dame and a walk-down costume for Sleeping Beauty at The Oxford Playhouse, as well as honing my millinery skills by making hats for AUB Productions' This Happy Breed. By doing these shows, I have gained valuable experience in communicating with actors and working on live shows. I was also able to experience a professional show's tech week, gaining many skills in dressing and speed sewing to industry standard. 

For my final project, I was given the opportunity to recreate a 1810 pelisse coat from the archive of Blandford Museum for their exhibition for Jane Austen's 250th birthday. This also involved making all the undergarments, including an 1810 corded corset, seen in the fourth image (left). Making from an existing garment came with challenges, as I had one opportunity to get all the measurements to scale up to a modern body. Seeing my progress in making this has been rewarding.

I plan to pursue a career in costume making, starting with working for the English National Opera in October, working on their autumn show. I plan on continuing this freelance work with going into more theatre, TV and film.