Costume drama at Blair Castle

Blair Castle in Perthshire reopens to the public from 1 April, with a ‘dramatic’ exhibition. 

Visitors to the castle will have the chance to view a selection of costumes from some of the UK’s most popular TV programmes and films, including a gown worn by actress Jenna Coleman in Victoria; a gown from Wolf Hall; outfits worn in Downton Abbey; dresses worn by ladies in waiting in the Bridgerton spin-off, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story; and the wedding dress worn by Kiera Knightley’s character in the 2008 film, The Duchess.

Each outfit on display in 'A Costume Drama at Blair Castle' is compared and contrasted with clothing that has been worn throughout the centuries, by members of the Murray family, whose ancestral seat is Blair Castle.

These rare pieces of clothing include several dresses worn by Anne, Duchess of Atholl,  Lady Charlotte, daughter of the second Duke of Atholl and Katherine, Duchess of Atholl, who became Scotland’s first-ever female MP, in 1923.

Blair Castle archivist, Keren Guthrie has created the exhibition to explore how costume designers draw inspiration from real historical dress.  The exhibition will also include some never-before-seen outfits created for members of the Murray family for a re-enactment of a medieval tournament, known as The Eglinton Tournament, which took place in 1839 at the castle.

Keren said: “We are confident that our exhibition will attract many visitors, for both the opportunity to see some incredible outfits from film and television and to find out more about the history and heritage of Blair Castle.”   

The exhibition is open until the autumn.

www.atholl-estates.co.uk

Photography: Blair Castle