![\"Pauline](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/7\/2023\/12\/Paulise-de-Bush-09234cd-e1703002082755.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C412\" "\\"Pauline")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Pre-pandemic, much of my time was spent preparing Killerton\u2019s annual fashion exhibition, which mostly draws from the 20,000-plus objects we have stored here. Starting out with items gathered by Paulise de Bush \u2013 an enthusiastic collector of both theatrical and historical costumes \u2013 it is the largest dress collection owned by the National Trust and has grown considerably over the years. Although I am now planning a new exhibition for 2023, I am also working on the digital face of our collection: writing for our website and preparing items for social media. On top of this, I am producing articles that will inform our volunteers about the collection, so that they can share its stories with visitors.<\/p>\n
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- Read more | Five outrageous moments in royal fashion history<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What does your curatorial work involve?<\/h3>\n
Curatorial work usually involves collections management: researching, recording and auditing objects, and preventive conservation \u2013 making sure they are properly packed and stored. I commission conservation treatment for objects, which is a really important part of caring for the collection. Doing this makes it easier for us to ensure the items are accessible to all \u2013 not just for the visitors who come to Killerton in person, but those who visit our public-facing database. For example, I recently worked through a large collection of shoes \u2013 mostly from the wardrobe of one individual \u2013 in order to enhance our records. Many of our pieces have great stories to tell, so hopefully we can excite and inspire people about the collection and our work.<\/p>\n
There are so many wonderful pieces \u2013 gorgeous, luxurious and representative of great skill <\/blockquote> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>
What costumes does the collection have?<\/h3>\n
The collection at Killerton concentrates on Western European fashionable dress and accessories, along with examples of textiles, patterns, needlework tools and equipment. The clothing for men, women and children mostly represents typical dress for day, evening and special occasions from the 18th century to the mid-1970s, but we also have some occupational clothing, such as agricultural workers\u2019 smocks and nurses\u2019 uniforms. In terms of strengths, the collection features some excellent examples of 19th and early-20th century dress, as well as important 18th-century silks and mid-20th century ready-to-wear and designer clothing.<\/p>\n
What is your favourite item?<\/h3>\n
There are so many wonderful pieces. Some are gorgeous, luxurious and representative of great skill, while others are less beautiful, but with amazing stories to tell. One of my favourite items is a patchwork and appliqu\u00e9 coverlet made in 1810, depicting objects that would have surrounded the (probably) young makers in their everyday lives: shoes, bonnets, fans, needlework tools and a \u2018Game of Geography\u2019. It very much reflects a girl\u2019s education at that time.<\/p>\n
![\"Swimwear](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/7\/2023\/12\/From-Killertons-Active-Minds-and-Busy-Bodies-exhibition-1-credit-National-Trust-Malcolm-Jarvis-1-e6ff1b7-e1703002159932.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413\" "\\"Swimwear")
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