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Winter Talks: "A Brief History of Fancy Dress" by Kate Stephenson

From 15th century Venetian carnivals, through the  pleasure gardens of the 18th century, to the Victorian costume ball, this talk considers the history and enduring popularity of fancy dress  in European society. Using original descriptions, images and guides find  out who wore what and why.


Kate is a clothing historian. Her clothing specialisms are school uniform and fancy dress with a side line in Scottish sex history!



This season’s Winter Talks will take place on the first Thursday of the month from 10 October 2024 to 3 April 2025 (with the exception of January); refreshments afterwards.


The talks are free, but a donation to Dr Neil’s Garden would be welcomed.

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