Featured highlights from our collection...
From Wilberforce to the workhouse, we spotlight items of clothing from the opposite ends of society. At one extreme, elaborately embroidered waistcoats, and at the other, utilitarian and thoroughly well-used stays.
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The Waistcoat Wardrobe
Click the waistcoat to enter a colourful and extravagant world... 
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The Workhouse Stays
Click the stays to reveal a fascinating find discovered in Henfield's old workhouse... 
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A Costume Tale - the Unused Trousseau of Ada Tobitt
Discover the story of a local recluse and her unused ‘trousseau’ – the clothes, linen and other bridal belongings – she left behind.
Discover the story of a local recluse and her unused ‘trousseau’ – the clothes, linen and other bridal belongings – she left behind.
In Flight to Worn at Night - the Parachute Silk Nightdress & Blouse
Here we see two fine, luxurious items - a fine parachute silk nightdress and blouse made by the donor's mother during the Second World War era. With 'make do and mend' the order of the day and clothes rationing in place from June 1941 - May 1949, non-rationed gifts from above were often seized upon by skilled hands. Pattern books later also provided detailed instructions for producing particular garments from parachute panels.
Discover more in an article by the Costume Curator from 2020, written for Brighton University and Worthing Museum's Objects Unwrapped series:
From Saving Lives to Keeping up Appearances: Possible Uses for a Second World War Parachute Panel
Here we see two fine, luxurious items - a fine parachute silk nightdress and blouse made by the donor's mother during the Second World War era. With 'make do and mend' the order of the day and clothes rationing in place from June 1941 - May 1949, non-rationed gifts from above were often seized upon by skilled hands. Pattern books later also provided detailed instructions for producing particular garments from parachute panels.
Discover more in an article by the Costume Curator from 2020, written for Brighton University and Worthing Museum's Objects Unwrapped series:
From Saving Lives to Keeping up Appearances: Possible Uses for a Second World War Parachute Panel
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