Vintage Little Bo Peep Costume Showcases Over a Century of Children’s Fashion Trends

Although the dress became part of the Leeds Museums and Galleries collection, it had endured years of enthusiastic wear and tear from its previous owner, diminishing its condition. Thankfully, a restoration project supported by The Friends of Leeds City Museums has rejuvenated the garment. It will now feature as a standout exhibit in ‘Fashion at Play’, an exhibition set to open at Lotherton this spring that explores the intriguing history of children’s fashions through the ages. Photo credit: David Lindsay.

An album of photographs featured in the exhibition captures the grandeur of a children’s fancy dress ball held at Leeds Town Hall. Hosted by the mayor and mayoress of Leeds, Mr. and Mrs. Alf Cooke, on January 12, 1891, the event was attended by nearly 400 children from affluent families. Each child was clad in exquisite costumes, representing a range of characters from fairytales to notable historical figures.

An album of photographs featured in the exhibition captures the grandeur of a children’s fancy dress ball held at Leeds Town Hall. Hosted by the mayor and mayoress of Leeds, Mr. and Mrs. Alf Cooke, on January 12, 1891, the event was attended by nearly 400 children from affluent families. Each child was clad in exquisite costumes, representing a range of characters from fairytales to notable historical figures.

Although the dress became part of the Leeds Museums and Galleries collection, it had endured years of enthusiastic wear and tear from its previous owner, diminishing its condition. Thankfully, a restoration project supported by The Friends of Leeds City Museums has rejuvenated the garment. It will now feature as a standout exhibit in ‘Fashion at Play’, an exhibition set to open at Lotherton this spring that explores the intriguing history of children’s fashions through the ages. Photo credit: David Lindsay.

Although the dress became part of the Leeds Museums and Galleries collection, it had endured years of enthusiastic wear and tear from its previous owner, diminishing its condition. Thankfully, a restoration project supported by The Friends of Leeds City Museums has rejuvenated the garment. It will now feature as a standout exhibit in ‘Fashion at Play’, an exhibition set to open at Lotherton this spring that explores the intriguing history of children’s fashions through the ages. Photo credit: David Lindsay.

A vintage Little Bo Peep costume, once donned by a Leeds girl over 120 years ago, has been meticulously restored for an upcoming exhibition.

This exquisite garment was worn by Gladys Redman as a fancy dress outfit for a grand chapel concert in Leeds in 1900. While the dress eventually became a part of the Leeds Museums and Galleries collection, it had suffered considerable wear and tear from its enthusiastic use by its former owner. Thanks to a restoration initiative backed by The Friends of Leeds City Museums, the beautifully restored Little Bo Peep dress will be a highlight of the upcoming ‘Fashion at Play’ exhibition at Lotherton Hall this spring.

This exhibition will delve into the intriguing evolution of children’s fashions over the years. The costume, originally purchased from Mrs Walter Sugden, a specialist children’s clothing store established in 1861 on Commercial Street, Leeds, showcases the intricate styles of the era. Mrs Walter Sugden’s shop was renowned for its baby linen, ready-to-wear children’s attire, women’s fashions, and fancy dress costumes. During the 1800s, fancy dress balls and parties surged in popularity among both adults and children, often featuring lavish, sophisticated, and costly garments.

An album of photographs, also set to be featured in the exhibition, captures a magnificent children’s fancy dress ball held at Leeds Town Hall. The event, hosted by the mayor and mayoress of Leeds, Mr. and Mrs. Alf Cooke, on January 12, 1891, saw nearly 400 children from affluent families participate. Each child was adorned in a stunning costume, representing a range of characters from fairy tales to notable historical figures.

Natalie Raw, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of costume said:

“Fancy dress played a big role in the party scene for both children and adults in the 19th century, and it’s clear that the tailor made, extravagant outfits they wore were not only great fun but a bit of a status symbol too.

“We’re particularly happy to see the costume little Gladys Redman celebrated in more than 120 years ago restored and ready to go on display. It tells its own unique story about children’s tailoring in Leeds and gives us a real, tangible link to those amazing parties and occasions.

“Looking back at children’s fashions through the ages can tell us a lot about not only different styles and trends, but also how attitudes to parenting, growing up and family life have changed over time too.”

Set to debut in March 2025, ‘Fashion at Play’ will delve into the evolution of children’s fashion from the 1600s to the present day. The exhibition will feature a variety of items that highlight the shifting styles of babies, children, and teenagers, and explore their ongoing impact on contemporary fashion trends.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:

“Leeds has such a rich and proud history in the fashion and textiles industries, and it’s great to see that being explored through our wonderful museums collection. By preserving, restoring and displaying these objects for visitors, we can inspire them to think about the story and heritage of Leeds and how these industries have influenced the city we know today.”

‘Fashion at Play’ will be showcased at Lotherton starting March 1, 2025. For additional information, please visit www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk