Leeds museum experts have unveiled a captivating collection of vintage sailor suits, showcasing the stylish naval attire that Victorian children once wore.
The collection features an array of classic blue and white outfits, including dresses and bellbottom trousers — fashion staples for children from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. These nautical suits are part of a broader assortment of historic garments that will be highlighted in an upcoming workshop at the Leeds Discovery Centre. This event will delve into the evolution of fashion, examining centuries of exquisite clothing and costumes.
Victorian-era babies and toddlers often donned sailor suits, a style inspired by the uniforms worn by sailors in the British navy. This trend was famously set by Queen Victoria in 1846 when she commissioned a child’s sailor suit for her eldest son, Prince Albert Edward. The prince’s outfit, which Prince Albert adored, was immortalized in a painting that sparked a fashion trend among the elite, who began dressing their young boys in similar attire.
By the late 19th century, sailor suits had entered the mainstream as a comfortable choice for active children. The influence of this style extended to girls’ fashion as well, with sailor-style dresses becoming enormously popular from 1900 through the 1920s. This surge in popularity for children’s nautical fashion led tailors like Leeds-based John Barrans to specialize in children’s clothing, earning the company the nickname ‘the little boys tailor.’
The Leeds collection features a variety of children’s attire, including several styles of sailor suits alongside other outfits such as Russian-style tops and smocks. These diverse garments highlight the range of fashionable options available for children during that period:
Date/Time: 31 July 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Venue: Leeds Discovery Centre
Price: Free, booking required
Nestled in the heart of Leeds, the Leeds Discovery Centre is a fascinating repository of history, science, and culture. Unlike a traditional museum, the Discovery Centre operates primarily as a state-of-the-art storage facility that houses Leeds Museums and Galleries’ vast and varied collections. It offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at thousands of items not currently on display in the city’s museums.
Natalie Raw, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of costume said:
“Sailor suits like those in our collection became part of a hugely recognisable style, and they’re also a fascinating early example of how a distinctive outfit worn by a figure in the public eye can spark a popular and enduring trend.
“Sailor suits are still very much a favourite of the British Royal Family today too, with young princes and princesses often seen in the style at Royal events, and it’s fantastic that we have such superb examples of Leeds-made suits in our collection.
“We’re looking forward to showcasing these outfits along with other fashions as we explore the influence Leeds and its tailors have had on both style and manufacturing over the centuries.”
The Fabulous Fashion workshop will be held on July 31 at the Leeds Discovery Centre, from 10 am to 12 pm. The garments showcased during this session will also feature in a more extensive exhibition of children’s clothing at Lotherton, which is scheduled to open in March 2025.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“Leeds has a proud and rich history in the clothing and textile industries, and it’s fascinating to see examples of outfits made here in the city, which have played their part in creating historic trends and styles.
“Our collections give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the city’s unique story and to be inspired by the creativity of those who lived here in the past and helped make modern Leeds what it is today.”
The Leeds Discovery Centre is committed to community involvement and accessibility. It offers tailored workshops for schools and community groups, aiming to make the collections accessible to a wider audience. The facility is equipped to accommodate visitors with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the wealth of knowledge housed here.
Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply curious about the hidden treasures of Leeds, the Discovery Centre offers a rare glimpse into the vast and varied past of this vibrant city. It remains an indispensable part of Leeds’ cultural landscape, inviting exploration and discovery for all who visit.
For additional information on the Fabulous Fashion workshop and to book a free place, please visit www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
