Historic Clothing Collection at UVA Department of Drama

Some of the Historic Clothing Collection dresses on dress forms.

Historic Clothing Collection at UVA Department of Drama

Mission Statement: The Historical Clothing Collection at The University of Virginia’s purpose is to preserve, interpret, and encourage the study of historical clothing. We aim to contribute to advancements in this area, while maintaining a tactile learning environment.

This statement was written in collaboration with a past Costume MFA student Katherine Stefl.

Top Photo: Erin Edgerton, University of Virginia Communications

The Historic Clothing Collection (HCC), housed within The University of Virginia Drama Department, is comprised of thousands of items. Associate Professor of Costume Design, Lois Garren began the collection in the 1970s, separating out historic garments that had been donated to the Drama Department over the years from the department's stock of theatrical costumes. Once separated, the historic garments formed the basis of the HCC which Gweneth West, Professor of Costume Design, augmented with future donations of period apparel. Marcy Linton, Associate Professor of Costume Technology is current Collection Manager.

The HCC encompasses men's, women's, and children’s clothing ranging from a rare circa 1795 man’s coat, a late-nineteenth-century evening gown with a matching day bodice by French designer, Charles Frederick Worth, considered the father of couture, and ensembles by 20th century designers, such as Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Suzy Perette, Emilio Pucci, Pierre Cardin, and Jean Dessès. The collection also includes United States military uniforms from WWI and WWII, and rare examples of clothing worn by working class men and women, such as, a circa 1840 homespun linen dress, and several circa 1950 flour sack dresses. Over 400 accessories such as hats, purses, shoes, underwear, and outerwear add to the scope of the HCC.

The collection was featured in this recent Virginia Living Magazine article:
From Dior to Dessès, UVA’s historic clothing collection

Scroll down for photos of a few Collection items.

Period dress on form — **1950c Jean Dessès Evening Gown**

Bodice detail on form from 1930 — **1920c Silk Chiffon Dress**
*All photos above: Stacey Evans*

**1870c Silk Bustle Dress**
*Photos courtesy of Marcy Linton*

**1860c Blue Silk Dress with multiple 20thc garments**

Some of the shoes and other items in the Historic Clothing Collection — **Accessories ranging from a WWI metal helmet, 1830c slippers to 1970c shoes and hat.**
*Photo: Erin Edgerton, University of Virginia Communications*

Donate to the Historic Clothing Collection!

Use the "Make a Gift" button toward the bottom of the page.
Under "My Gift Supports," select the "Drama Department Annual Fund,"
and please make sure to enter "Historic Clothing Collection"
in either the "In Honor of" or "In Memory of" field.
For donations of clothing, please contact drama@virginia.edu