Gallery Of Costume

I have been wanting to visit the place for years and had the opportunity to go on my 58^th Birthday, catching the bus from Stockport bus station. It took about 30 minutes, but getting a bus back took longer to master, but that’s the negative out of the way. I loved the place. Everything about it from the friendly staff, the fact that you could wander around at ease and take photographs, bridal outfits from real weddings were on display with photographs on the walls of the special day. Having studied pattern cutting and dress design myself at Blackpool College of Technology & Art in the mid 1970’s it was delightful to wander around the many cabinets of shoes, handbags and costumes from different eras and there is also a hands on area for school children to observe and draw. The very fact that it is free admission and they only have a gift shop with a variety of books, pens, cups and scarves, etc which are not tacky, and an adequate refreshment area, leads me to believe that they are subsidised, but are happy to take donations for the upkeep of this museum in a fabulous building that is currently seeking Registered Building status. The staircase is absolutely stunning and the beautiful surroundings as the building is set in the grounds of Platt Fields, it is a popular area for a family outing. It really is a gem for anyone who loves the history of costume, and a lot of the collection is from the last half of the 20^th Century, with exhibits from well known fashion designers still designing collections today.

I absolutely love this place.
There’s beautiful clothes from the 1600s to the present day housed in a gorgeous Georgian mini mansion. Also the occasional bit of strange modern art, closely examine the big vases in the entrance hall. I’ll say no more.
There’s also a wall of shoes, a wall of bags and a wall of hats. Turns out I’m a hat person, not in my day to day life, but when it comes to coveting accessories definitely.
This is about the 4^th time I’ve been here as the collection changes. At the moment there’s a wedding dress display with some catchy romantic tunes on upstairs. The main collection is always worth another look though. The gentlemen aren’t neglected either, with some (very) vintage outfits upstairs.
There’s a Café which I didn’t try but it looks like a nice place to sit and chat. Also a gift shop with some cool books, ranging from «Sharp Suits» to one about t-​shirt designs. Plus some nice mugs.
There’s even a bus stop right outside and it’s in the grounds of Platt Fields park for a stroll after.

First rate. Much better than expected. Wild selection, well displayed and explained.

The costume gallery has recently been refurbished and is now open to the public. The facilities and collection have been updated. The costume displays have been refreshed and there’s a new changing exhibitions gallery, improved disabled access and a large lecture room and workshop space. The bookshop has a wide range of textile and fashion books.
The collection is well displayed in the beautiful building set in the grounds of Platt fields park. There is a good range of costumes and accessories. the collection is updated regularly. My favourite recent acquisition is a massive button collection. This is simply amazing if you were born to love buttons like me. There was a stunning susan Macmurray pin dress, Annie Harrison sculptural textiles on display and some fabulous contemporary hats (see pictures).

For the many fashion students in Manchester, and indeed anyone inters ted in the way simple tailoring has evolved into an expression of Art, you will be pleased to know that mucho mullar (cash) is being spent on this little Museum and will re-​open in early 2010! I did go to the museum just before it closed — and agree with Rachel that the realisation to improve this beautiful building that houses an amazing collection, could not have happened sooner.
The collections are all based on fabric and how it is shaped into garments that British men, women and children of varying cultures have worn since the 17^th century. Of particular interest to me was the incredibly intricately stitched ball gowns and clothes of the 17^th century. I also love how the museum collects contemporary designers creations that has been made locally! There is so much to see, and i hope that more space enables more pieces from their huge collection to be viewed by the public.

The Gallery is currently closed due to refurbishment until March 2010, so my review is obviously based on what it was like prior to any of the work being done on it.
The Gallery is set within Platt Fields Park, a lovely and well maintained park on Wilmslow Road. The collections are housed in the converted Platt Hall and includes a wide and varied range of exhibits from the 17^th Century up to the present day. There was also a small but well stocked gift shop with a good selection of books. There is free parking next to the Gallery and there are excellent bus links to it as it located on Wilsmlow Road, one of the main roads in south Manchester.
One thing to bear in mind is that although they are open to the general public, the place does seem more geared up towards students/​researchers as I had to telephone in advance to arrange a visit. I only found out the need to do this by chance when I telephoned for the opening times.