The UNESCO World Heritage Site has opened the doors to its largest ever exhibition in history, where significant items from the very best of British fashion have taken over the palace.
You can use the arrows to the right and left of the image gallery above to scroll through the pictures, and expand the gallery by clicking the ‘x’ top left.
Each space along the visitor route in the 300-year-old palace pays homage to a British fashion icon starting in the Great Hall with designs on display by the late Dame Vivienne Westwood and creative partner Andreas Kronthaler.
Icons of British Fashion, which is open until 30th June, allows groups to marvel at the highly visual exhibition which is dramatically lit and displayed amongst its priceless collections of artefacts.
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire has a rich history of its own in British fashion having hosted many fashion shows, photoshoots, and catwalks attended by high society and royalty.
“We have a rich fashion history and this exhibition should help cement our legacy in this fascinating industry.”
Dominic Hare, chief executive of Blenheim Palace
The display showcases bespoke designs and loans from some of the world’s most renowned names such as Barbour, Bruce Oldfield, Lulu Guinness, Stella McCartney and Stephen Jones Millinery for Christian Dior.
Dominic Hare, chief executive of Blenheim Palace said: “It is an honour to welcome the work and creativity of some of the most iconic fashion labels of our time to Blenheim Palace. The whole team here have worked tirelessly to bring to life what has been years in the making, to ensure the exhibition is a hugely exciting and captivating experience for our visitors.
“Christian Dior hosted two shows here in 1954 and 1958 in aid of the Red Cross, and then returned in 2016 for their Cruise Collection. Cecil Beaton has also done shoots with the family, and we have been the location of many brand campaigns over the years. We have a rich fashion history and this exhibition should help cement our legacy in this fascinating industry.”
The full line-up is completed by Temperley London, Terry de Havilland, Turnbull & Asser, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Muir and Zandra Rhodes. Beyond style, the exhibition explores sustainability, ethical fashion, and the future of the industry.
This year also sees the palace celebrate the 150th anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill, who was born at the palace in 1874.
Discounts at Blenheim Palace apply to groups of 15 or more people who must booked in advance. Other perks include free all day coach parking, a free admission voucher for commercial coach drivers plus a £5 voucher for them to use in the onsite cafés.
A free onsite guide can also be downloaded on to personal devices to highlight even more historical detail on the tour. The exhibition is included within the price of admission.
The Blenheim Palace group sales team are on hand to help with all group bookings. For more information on booking, contact the groups team directly on 01993 815600 or email groups@blenheimpalace.com.
Discover more at www.blenheimpalace.com
