Second year BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design student Esther Pape will exhibit her detailed costume inspired by Bonnie Prince Charlie ‘Scottish Borders,’ across Scotland in prestigious castles and museums this Spring and Summer!

“My costume piece is inspired by the enduring romance and tragedy of the Scottish hero ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ and the 1746 Jacobite rebellion.” said Ester. “This costume piece – combining historical accuracy with creative license – is a reimagining of what the famous figure might have worn on the battlefields of Culloden.”

“The coat is made from handmade Jacobite remnant tartan, by Peter MacDonald of the House of Edgar, and the embroidery on the waistcoat has been sewn entirely by hand. This costume piece is part of a university project and the complementary culmination of a long-standing personal interest in Bonnie Prince Charlie, the lasting legacy of the Jacobite rebellion, and my passion for historical costume.”

Esther took her work to Scotland for her stunning final images and film to reflect the Scottish heritage in her work “with the Scottish mountains behind and with the help of Edinburgh based photographer Dashiee”

Her work will tour Scotland, featuring at prestigious castle’s and museums across the country, she explains “After spending the summer contacting popular museums and castles in Scotland associated with Bonnie Prince Charlie, my costume piece will be exhibited at The Battle of Prestonpans Museum, Traquair House, Castle Menzies, Braemer Castle, House of Dun, Scone Palace, Glenfinnan Visitor Centre and will be permanently exhibited at Bannockburn House – Bonnie Prince Charlie’s military headquarters.”

Describing how she feels about exhibiting the work she said “I’m both nervous and excited to show my work to the public and feel honoured that places such as Glenfinnan in the Scottish Highlands – who receive half a million visitors over the summer – will be exhibiting my work.”

Scotland will not be the only stop for Esther’s work, her next project will be heading to Europe, she commented, “Next year I will be exhibiting some World War 2 uniforms which I will make for a university project at the Bavaria Film Studios and Colditz Castle in Bavaria and Saxony in Germany to be permanently exhibited there.”

Reflecting on how her degree programme has impacted her she said, “I came to this course with no prior knowledge of sewing so, everything I can do now is thanks to the help and support of my tutors who have really helped me grow in my skills and in my confidence.”

When asked what her advice is to future students starting our she said, “I would advise upcoming costume students to not be afraid to reach out and ask if your work can be exhibited as many people are willing to help and you never know where your work will end up!”

Esther’s work will be touring Scotland from March until August and then it will be permanently exhibited at Bannockurn House in Stirling, Scotland.

The Northern School of Art’s technically focused BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design degree course provides comprehensive training in the skills to create bespoke garments for a wide range of performance contexts — including stage, screen, heritage, and live events. Find out more HERE