FIRST LOOK: Costume From The Classics brings silver screen to life at Cannon Hall

Costume from the Classics includes these screen worn outfits by David Suchet and Bette Davis in Death on the Nile. | Andrew Dunkley Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust

Lights, cameras, action! Hollywood film and TV costumes worn by icons from Bette Davies to Keira Knightley and Eddie Redmayne have gone on display at Cannon Hall Museum.

Costume FromTthe Classics brings the silver screen to Yorkshire’s famed country house museum in Cawthorne near Barnsley.

The free exhibition - now open until September 15, 2024 - showcases magnificent dresses and exquisite suits from beloved films and and unforgettable TV period dramas.

Included in the displays are costumes from films such as The Duchess worn by Keira Knightley and The Danish Girl, worn by Eddie Redmayne, alongside blockbusters made for TV including Queen Charlotte – A Bridgerton Story and Murder on the Orient Express.

Visitors will be able to admire the detail and beauty of the Oscar-winning garments up close, which were made for the stars who wore them.

Film buffs can revel in the costume made especially for Hollywood superstar Bette Davies, for her part in Death on the Nile, or the dramatic gown from the Duchess.

Visitors also have a unique opportunity to see how they capture the essence of the story, reflect the characters, and represent the times they lived in.

Arséma Thomas - Queen Charlotte a Brigerton Story | Andrew Dunkley Barnslry museums

The exhibition is inspired by John Spencer's library, following a programme of cleaning the books on the shelves, and conservation of the Dutch still life painting, Dead Game, over the fireplace, funded by Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust.

Information on how John Spencer decorated and filled the room is on display for visitors to find out more.

Young and not so young visitors can also have fun dressing up and performing on a mini film set in the museum, called Costume Capers and there will also be a trails and talks.

Eddie Redmayne - Danish Girl | Andrew Dunkley Barnsley Museums

The exhibition is provided by CosProp, one of the world’s leading costume providers for the film, TV and theatre industries.

Jon Finch, Head of Culture and Visitor Economy said: “Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens is one of the most stunning places to visit in Yorkshire attracting almost 1M visitors last year.

Kiera Knightley - the Dutchess | Andrew Dunkley Barnsley Museums

“Now visitors have even more reason to come and see us with the arrival of this stunning exhibition bringing the magic of the movies right here to Barnsley. The Museum will be filled with glitz and glamour and people can see costumes from blockbuster films from across the decades. It’s a real treat for fans of film, fashion, stage and screen!”

The exhibition is free but consider a donation to support the work of Barnsley Museums via Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust at https://bmht.org.

To find out more, go to www.cannon-hall.com

FIRST LOOK: Costume From The Classics brings silver screen to life at Cannon Hall Museum