A Century of Costume Exhibition at Scotney Castle: 1 September-2 November

Published:: 10 August 2025

Step into the William IV mansion at Scotney Castle this autumn and discover “A Century of Costume at Scotney Castle”—a captivating new exhibition celebrating fashion, family and heritage.

Who is it for?

Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, history lover, heritage visitor or simply curious about the lives once lived within these walls, this exhibition promises something special. Visitors will gain insight into how fashion reflected personal identity, social roles and historical moments—from everyday wear to designer couture.

Scotney Castle, Portrait Painting — Black and white archive photograph of Rosamund Hussey, the wife of Edward Windsor Hussey IV, having her portrait painted by Shannon on the bastion above the quarry at Scotney Castle. Used in Country House Album. Original photographer unknown - work may be in copyright | © National Trust Images / Unknown

Exhibition Highlights

Among the standout pieces are two garments featured in the new book:

Rosamund Hussey’s Black and White Stripe Day Dress (1910)
Worn in her portrait by J.J. Shannon, this dress is displayed alongside the artist’s original sketch, photographs from the sitting and Rosamund’s hat—offering a deeply personal narrative behind the painting still hanging on the staircase.
The ‘Queen of Hearts’ Fancy Dress Costume (1951)
A charming handmade outfit created for a child attending a castle fête. It’s a delightful example of post-war creativity and nostalgia.

What Else You’ll See

From party dresses to workwear, the collection reveals how the Hussey family lived, travelled, celebrated, partied and served.

Spread across the visitor route and the two floors of the mansion house, the exhibition includes:

A 1920s Jeanne Paquin flapper dress
A 1960s Harvey Nichols evening gown
Betty Hussey’s travel outfits
Victorian baby shoes from Selfridges (1890s–1900s)
A 1950s chauffeur’s uniform
A 1940s wartime nurse’s uniform
Betty Hussey’s 1930s wedding dress and Mother of the Bride outfit by Callot Soeur
Edward Hussey’s Sheriff of Kent uniform (1907)

Most costumes are accompanied by photographs and stories of the people who wore them, offering a rich and personal connection to the past.

Why visit now?

Due to the delicate nature of these historic garments, they cannot be displayed year-round. This is a rare opportunity to see so many pieces together, many newly matched to their original wearers through recent research.

Planning your visit

The exhibition is on show on the ground and first floor of the house daily from 1 September to 2 November 2025. The house is open from 11am – 4.30pm (last entry 4pm) and the gardens and grounds from 10am-5pm.
No booking necessary and the exhibition is free to view; however, normal property admission price applies (free for National Trust members and under 5’s).
Toilets and baby changing facilities are available.
There is a tearoom with both indoor and outdoor seating areas with additional benches around the grounds for picnicking.

Exhibition programme detailing the history of each garment available to read onsite
100 Things to Wear book available to buy in the gift shop from 4 September
Parking: Advance booking recommended to avoid disappointment, especially during weekends and school holidays
Accessibility: The exhibition is located over two floors; unfortunately, there is no lift access but there will be photographs available to view of the exhibition upstairs