Discover which treasures from our costume collection are currently on display...
An Alphabet of Costume & Fabric
(April 2025 - 2026)
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26 letters & 26 lovely things
It's as easy as ABC to explore the new costume case at Henfield Museum. All twenty-six letters of the alphabet can be matched with items as different as a waistcoat, an ostrich feather fan and a plaid doll's dress. Starting with A for APRON and ending on Z for ZIP, there are some smart, stylish and utilitarian garments to see. Working clothes like a maid’s afternoon apron, a FANY uniform from WWII and a milking overall share space with an elegant purple dress c. 1908 which was one of the garments collected by Miss Lucie Bishop of Henfield. Miss Bishop collected and displayed objects from the 1930s and without her efforts the costume collection would not be as complete as it is today. Leather shoes in a rich shade of ox – blood provide the tricky letter X and a quilted field bonnet came up trumps for Q. Lace appears fashioned in a tiny baby’s cap and a modesty panel (or I for Insert) has been beautifully crocheted. Gloves with fingers, mittens without and white kid ankle boots with silk rosettes all take their place. And a magnificent example of the nimble fingers of Ethel Botting’s skill with a needle brings E for embroidery to life. Ethel was the youngest of five daughters and was born at Swains Farm on 25 March 1885. To see the rest of our alphabet entries, come along to the museum….it all looks even better close up... Stephanie Richards Curator of Costume |
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The Sussex Rifle Volunteers
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On permanent display
The vivid Victorian uniforms pictured were all made in the 1860s by the long established Longley Brothers Drapers who were based at Bank House in Henfield High Street. On display are the uniforms of Surgeon Lieutenant (and well known Henfield doctor), Adolphus Caudle the Younger (1860s), in addition to that of Sergeant George Roberts (1868). With recruits having to fund their own uniform and rifle, joining the Volunteers was an aspiration beyond the average Henfield labourer and mainly open to professional men. A Victorian precursor to the modern Territorials, the Rifle Volunteers were replaced by the Territorials during the army reforms that took place in the years after the Boer War. |
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A Selection of Pretty and Practical Objects
Discover the intricately made details of a miscellany of smaller items from the collection
Including a richly decorated mid Victorian ivory and silk fan, an intricate c. 1900 floral tapestry style handbag, early 20th century linen covered button cards, a 1920s Kirby, Beard & Co. needle case, a 1930s handkerchief sachet, a 1930s beaded tambour panel, and early 20th century cotton shift made as a sewing exercise. (But no cuddly toy!)
Including a richly decorated mid Victorian ivory and silk fan, an intricate c. 1900 floral tapestry style handbag, early 20th century linen covered button cards, a 1920s Kirby, Beard & Co. needle case, a 1930s handkerchief sachet, a 1930s beaded tambour panel, and early 20th century cotton shift made as a sewing exercise. (But no cuddly toy!)
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