The Museum of Cornish Life has one of the most extensive costume collections in the South West representing the daily and ‘best’ wear of people in Cornwall. This includes our earliest item, a 1780s pair of men’s braces, a fine selection of 20th-century Flora Day dresses, including a stellar 2022 edition, work wear and uniforms, and accessories such as hats, gloves and handbags.

In 2023, thanks to a grant from the Myner Trust we were able to expand our bespoke conservation-grade storage for the costume collection. You can visit the store at the museum where we display a themed selection that changes every couple of months or so. Volunteer costume curator Andrea Newall researches and organises the collection. Enquiries about the costume collection can be sent to costume@museumofcornishlife.co.uk.

Latest research

• Two Chinese silk jackets by Sophie Postans
• Second World War and Post-War Fashion in the De Bruyne Collection by Michelle Reynolds 
• Clothing in WW2: CC41 and the Utility Clothing Scheme by Andrea Newall

3D costume models

See a sample of our fabulous collection via our Sketchfab account where we have 3D scanned several items from the collection.

Films

Find out about how we care for our collection and share the stories about the items of clothing in this film.

These short videos take you on a virtual tour of parts of the costume collection. 

• Early Victorian Nursing Dress
• 1900’s Mourning Clothes
• Victorian Christening Garment
• Wedding Dress from 1935-1980’s
• Dresses from late 1960’s/early 1970’s
• Men’s Coats from 1940’s and 1960’s

Related objects

Coronation Gown

This intricate embroidery features on a replica, about a meter high, of the sumptuous gown worn by the Queen for … Continue reading Coronation Gown

Hand stitched boots

This tiny pair of hand stitched boots is one of the Museum’s most beautiful and yet saddest artefacts. They are beautifully … Continue reading Hand stitched boots

Hatpins

In the late 19th century women’s bonnets tied with ribbons gave way to the fashion for large decorative hats requiring … Continue reading Hatpins

Child’s Cornish Replica Smock

One of our new costume acquisitions is this child’s replica Cornish smock which was made by Margaret Hughes for a Women’s … Continue reading Child’s Cornish Replica Smock