A stunning display of 1950s inspired outfits created by the School’s first year BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design degree students is on display at the world-famous Beamish open air museum throughout the summer.

The work by first-year students is on show in the replica of artist Norman Cornish’s house in the County Durham museum’s recently-opened 1950s Front Street until early September.

Earlier this year as part of the celebrations for the opening of Beamish’s 1950s town, students were given a brief as part of their cut and construction module to research, pattern draft and construct a selection of 1950s costumes based on the people who would visit and work in the street.

Within their research they explored the historical, social and cultural context of costume, in particularly that of a typical 1950s working-class civilian from the North East of England. Before the end of the summer term they travelled to Beamish to set-up the display of the costumes they had created.

This exhibition explores the practical work produced from a selection of the first years’ work. During their three years of study at the School students are taught skills in practical costume making, period and contemporary pattern cutting, tailoring, corsetry, leatherwork, millinery (hat-making) and embellishment.

Projects like this help  students become equipped with the skills needed for the costume industry, to begin work as skilled costumiers in film, television, theatre and associated entertainment industries.

Beamish Museum is located in County Durham (DH9 0RG). Further details about how to visit can be found here

The Northern School of Art’s unique BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design degree is one of the few design degrees in the country that offers bespoke millinery and tailoring skills. To find out more about the course where students enjoy a distinctive studio culture and no two days are ever the same click here