Description

Book Synopsis
Pierrot, Little Bo Peep, cowboy: these characters and many more form part of this colourful story of dressing up, from the accession of Queen Victoria to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Fancy dress became a regular part of people’s social lives over this period, and the craze for it spread across Britain and the Empire, reaching every level of society. Spectacular and witty costumes appeared at street carnivals, victory celebrations, fire festivals and extravagant balls. From the Victorian middle classes performing ‘living statues’ to squads of Shetland men donning traditional fancy dress and setting fire to a Viking ship at the annual Up Helly Aa celebration, this lavishly illustrated book provides a unique view into the quirky, wonderful world of fancy dress.

Dressing Up: A History of Fancy Dress in Britain

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    A Hardback by Verity Wilson

    £22.50

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    RRP £25.00 – you save £2.50 (10%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 25 Aug 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Reaktion Books
      Published 13 June 2022
      ISBN-13 9781789145298
      978-1789145298
      ISBN-10 1789145295
      Also in:
      Art & Photography Fashion and textile design History History: specific events and topics Cultural studies: dress and society

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Pierrot, Little Bo Peep, cowboy: these characters and many more form part of this colourful story of dressing up, from the accession of Queen Victoria to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Fancy dress became a regular part of people’s social lives over this period, and the craze for it spread across Britain and the Empire, reaching every level of society. Spectacular and witty costumes appeared at street carnivals, victory celebrations, fire festivals and extravagant balls. From the Victorian middle classes performing ‘living statues’ to squads of Shetland men donning traditional fancy dress and setting fire to a Viking ship at the annual Up Helly Aa celebration, this lavishly illustrated book provides a unique view into the quirky, wonderful world of fancy dress.

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