2008 marks thirty years since the Paulise de Bush costume collection was first displayed to the public at Killerton House. The collection was begun by Paulise de Bush of Berkshire, shortly after her marriage in 1933.
Seven hundred pieces were given to the National Trust after her death in 1975. ‘Recollections’, a new exhibition of treasured objects from the collections, will celebrate this important anniversary.
The exhibition will be organised by Shelley Tobin, the National Trust’s Costume Curator at Killerton House, but as a departure from the usual selection practice, objects will be chosen by staff and volunteers past and present. The exhibits will be accompanied by a short statement outlining their reasons for choosing each piece.
Many of the selectors have had a close connection with the work of the costume department over the years, and have a wide range of skills and experience. The youngest represented are a group of 15 year old students who were involved with the costume collection as part of a work experience programme in 2007. The oldest to participate is Atherton Harrison from Berkshire, 91, former consultant and original curator of the collection.
Denise Melhuish, Killerton House Assistant Property Manager said:
‘This year’s exhibition is going to be even more interesting than normal for visitors. I have also been delighted to be able to choose a particular piece to be displayed. I chose an ensemble worn by Queen Victoria as an elderly woman. I am always amazed that this is the dress of a queen.
'Most of us have a picture of royal women decked out in fairytale clothing, dressed in the best that money can buy, and this is far from the opulent court regalia that would reflect the status and resources at the disposal of a celebrated queen who reigned for such a long period of time.’
Amongst some of the marvels of the collection is a late Victorian corset with a 21 inch waist measurement. By contrast, the Queen’s waist measurement was 42 1/2 inches.
Selectors have a variety of reasons for choosing the exhibits. Some are associated personally with Paulise de Bush, the founder of the collection. These include a figured silk gown of c.1860 which belonged to Paulise de Bush. Others are familiar favourites. Exhibits date from the eighteenth to the mid-twentieth century.
The exhibition will open to the public on 12 March 2008.
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