Costume Collection

This material is held atHeriot-Watt University Museum and Archive

  • Reference
    • GB 582 HWUA COS 2
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1880's - 1970's
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 3 metres

Scope and Content

The majority of items in the collection are women's wear, and exemplify a typical wealthy C19th and C20th ladies' wardrobe.

Student projects using this collection have provided further background information on a number of items, and have highlighted exciting potential for further research.

Photographs of a selection of items were also produced as part of student projects. Please contact the Archivist for further information.

Administrative / Biographical History

Additional items of costume and clothing which exist as part of other collections held within the Archive, are indicated throughout the list by a cross reference.

Arrangement

Items are catalogued using ICOM International Committee for the Museums and Collections of Costume Vocabulary of Basic Terms for Cataloguing Costume. Printed list plus item level computerised list available in Searchroom. Where an item is believed to have originated from the Galashiels Amateur Dramatics Society, this is denoted by the presence of an old SCOT reference in its description. Where provenance is different, and is known, an Accession number is recorded in the description.

Access Information

By appointment. Some items show signs of repair or alteration by previous owners or donors. Although the collection is in a fairly good condition, access to items in a fragile condition is restricted. Please contact the Archivist for further information.

Other Finding Aids

Items are catalogued using the ICOM International Committee for the Museums and Collections of Costume; Vocabulary of Basic Terms for Cataloguing Costume. Series and item level printed and computerised list available in the Searchroom. Some photographs are also available.

Conditions Governing Use

Private study and research, subject to the condition of the documents. Applications for permission to quote from or publish images from the collection should be sent to the University Archivist.

Custodial History

The majority of the Costume Collection was donated in 1981 by the Galashiels Amateur Dramatics Society, to coincide with an exhibition held at the Scottish College of Textiles. This core of items has subsequently been added to over the years by separate donations of costume from staff and members of the public.

Following the merger of the Scottish College of Textiles with Heriot-Watt University in October 1998, responsibility for the collection was transferred to Heriot-Watt University Archive, Records Management and Museum Service. In September 2000, the Archive moved to the Main Building at the Scottish Borders Campus, Galashiels.

Accruals

Expected.

Related Material

E.Y.Johnston Embroidery Collection (GB 582 HWUA COS 1) and the Bernat Klein Collection (GB 582 HWUA BK), both held at the Scottish Borders Campus.