Discover which treasures from our costume collection are currently on display...
Country Life, Smocks & a Scythe
(April 2026 - 2027)
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A bringing together of Smocks worn for agricultural work and some of the tools that were used for the jobs.
One smock is a fine exhibition piece. Beautifully decorated with the Staffordshire & Shropshire Gardener pattern. Never been worn for work. There are two smocks from one family. One worn by Allen Davey c1832-1905, farm bailiff in Henfield and the smaller one in front of it was the property of his granddaughter. Add in a black oiled garment, a lady’s work smock and a farm bonnet with smock like patterns and you have a great deal to examine. The tools are large, pointed and sharp, amongst them a pitchfork, a scythe and two-handed rip saws. All show how hard agricultural labour was. 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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