Historic Clothing Project Video from Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, West Sussex

The Historic Clothing Project, established in 2007, is a unique and innovative investigation into the construction and production of lower status clothing across a broad chronological period at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum. The aim of the project is to produce a comprehensive stock of replica historic clothing covering a range of periods to clothe those working in our exhibit buildings.
The clothing is produced on site by a team of 30 volunteers who meet once a month under the supervision of the Museum's Domestic Life Interpreter, Lesley Parker, and historic clothing consultant, Barbara Painter.
This Video was produced by Darren Mapletoft and Chichester University for our 2013 Historic Clothing Project Exhibition.

[@juliewatkins2187]

Ladies, I am enthralled with this video. Your research into clothing of the English poor happens to be close to my heart. I have been involved with research of this sort for 15 years using my knowledge to construct garments of those following the army in the American War for Independence. It is so very thrilling to see women who have the same fire and passion for the things of those who have been mostly forgotten. It is my hope that in years to come that veil of mystery can be raised and our grandmothers will again shine forth. I hope to see more videos such as this!

[@MS-qd6bm]

Loved the video, very interesting and informative. 😊

[@OfficialDJWolve]

Loved going here when I was in Primary school, will never forget the experience, even though that was about 10 years ago.

[@liberte1334]

Wonderful work!

[@morevaseret]

Lovely video. I'm intrigued to know if anything has been done for Georgian period clothing? As you can see from my thumbnail, it is a period both myself and my husband are interested in. I enjoy making our garments for balls where we do historic dancing.

[@lovenationalbus]

I noticed that the waistcoats made for the museum have side seams. I cannot find any evidence for this and so I wonder what is your source of information.

[@wealddownlandmuseum]

Hi, further information can be found in the Museum's historic clothing blog (historicclothing.wordpress.com/). If you'd like further information please contact us via [e-mail] and we can pass you enquiry to the Interpretation Team.