You and the Fashion Museum

YOU and THE FASHION MUSEUM

 

What do I do if I want to offer something to the collection?

Thank you for thinking of us. Please send a snapshot image of the object together with some background information to fashion_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk

 

Please could you advise me on mending, washing, or removing stains from historic dress?   

You need to speak to a textile conservator. There is no conservator at the Fashion Museum, but you will be able to find one in your area through http://www.conservationregister.com/.   

 

Can you give me a valuation for my object?   

Sorry, no we are not permitted to give financial valuations under the Museums Association Code of Ethics. But an auction house should be able to help you: http://www.bonhams.com/ http://www.christies.com/ http://www.kerrytaylorauctions.com/

 

Can you authenticate garments?   

We can give an opinion about the date of a garment and, depending on the piece, also about the provenance. Please send photographs and details about the garment to fashion_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk However, unless we have seen a similar example, we cannot give a definite attribution. 

 

Do you offer talks to groups on the history of fashion?

Yes. Please write to us (by e-mail please) at fashion_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk giving us details of your group, and possible dates and topics.

 

How do I go about using an image of an object in the Fashion Museum collection?

Fashion Museum image use is licensed through Bridgeman Art Library http://www.bridgemanart.com/ If you can not find what you are looking for on the Bridgeman website, write to us (by e-mail please) at fashion_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk letting us know your interest.

 

Can you date family photographs and portraits?

Yes. Please send scans of images (by e-mail) to fashion_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk  We can also look at photos and photocopies of images. Please include an e-mail address, and a stamped addressed envelope if you would like the images returned to you.

 

Do you lend objects from the Fashion Museum for photo shoots or for hire?

No. But a theatrical costumier or vintage fashion dealer should be able to help: http://www.angels.uk.com/ http://www.cosprop.co.uk/ http://www.baththeatrical.com/ http://www.rokit.co.uk/

 

How can I become a volunteer at the Fashion Museum?

Please send an application, in writing only, and by e-mail please, enclosing your CV to fashion_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk letting us know your skills, your availability and your expectation of being a volunteer at the Fashion Museum

 

When is the best time to send an application to become a volunteer?

No one time of year is better than another. We consider each application individually against a number of criteria including the Fashion Museum work schedules and the skills that prospective volunteers offer.

 

How long do volunteers stay at the Fashion Museum ?

There is no one set pattern. Some volunteers join us for a day a week across several months and in some cases several years; others come for a one-week placement, and some for a two or three month internship.