Thousands see Monroe dresses
Thousands of visitors have been flocking to relive the glamour
of the Hollywood movies in the Monroe dresses on display at the
Assembly Rooms. Travilla: the man who dressed Marilyn
Monroe, is a touring exhibition in aid of the Alzheimer’s
Society, hosted by Bath & North East Somerset Council at the
Assembly Rooms, and is currently on show until Friday 22
August.
Ticket sales at the Council-run Fashion Museum were up by 40%
during the first week of the show, compared to the same week in
2007. Nearly 5,000 people came to see the show during that time.
Admission to the exhibition in the Great Octagon is included in the
Fashion Museum ticket, which is free to residents of Bath &
North East Somerset with a Discovery Card and to National Trust
members.
Andrew Hansford, the exhibition organiser, is present most days
to give visitors a fascinating insight into the work of Hollywood
designer William Travilla. Comments in the visitor’s book,
describing the show as ‘amazing’ and ‘magical’, prove that the
exhibition is a big hit with all ages.
For one visitor it was their “second visit to the Travilla
exhibition – what a great opportunity”. Another commented, “the
Travilla collection was beautiful. It was great to speak to the man
who accompanied the collection because his insight was unique.”
Stephen Bird, Head of Heritage Services at Bath & North East
Somerset Council, said: “We are delighted with the public response
to this exhibition. It is great to see the Assembly Rooms humming
with the excitement that the show has generated.”
Mr Hansford said: “I am overwhelmed by the warmth and affection
the people in Bath have shown me. Such genuine interest in the
fabulous bygone era. It’s a pleasure and privilege to spend time in
this incredible city. Both Marilyn and Travilla would have loved
it.”
Some visitors have been reduced to tears, with memories of the
glamorous films of their childhood. Dresses on display include
prototypes and copies of outfits from The Seven Year Itch,
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a
Millionaire, as well as the designer’s original sketches and
patterns for these films.
The Little Theatre Cinema, in St Michael’s Place, will be
showing The Seven Year Itch for one night only, on
Wednesday 20 August at 8pm. A Fashion Museum ticket shown at entry
allows two cinema tickets for the price of one. Andrew Hansford
will be making a personal appearance with ‘the white dress’ at the
start of the film. For more information visit http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/
or telephone 08717 042061.
The Fashion Museum is open daily 10.30am-6pm, last entry 5.00pm
Visit http://www.fashionmuseum.co.uk/
for more details.