Ever wondered how garments are prepared and handled for an exhibition?

Beyond the Little Black Dress (2023) showcased almost 100 years of the little black dress. Go behind the scenes and discover how garments were cared for and handled in preparation for this exhibition.

The looks on display in Beyond the Little Black Dress were all handled very carefully. They were wrapped in acid-free paper and kept in climate-controlled stores. Our conservators handle everything with extreme care. They are experts in keeping objects safe from light, dust, and even vibration which can all damage delicate garments.

Before, during and after the exhibition, the climate of the exhibition space was carefully monitored to keep objects stable and safe. Some items needed to be displayed in showcases which control the temperature, light, and humidity. There is a balance between marrying an aesthetic design vision of an exhibition, with protecting an object as much as possible whilst on display.