Costume
Work created for university, placements and independently.
Final Year Project- Orlando
2022
This garment was made for the character of Miss Grimsditch, an upper class ladies maid from the novel Orlando. For this project I worked alongside the Tudor Tailor to research and accurately recreate an early 17th century bodice and matching ensemble to a professional academic standard that would be suitable for publishing in one of their books. The petticoat is also a reconstruction I chose to do of one in the Museum of London that I created using Photoshop and then digitally printed.
Corsetry
I have a passion for corsetry and using historical inspiration for my designs. I am skilled in corset construction and drafting techniques, as well as in designing and printing fabrics.
Millinery
I am experienced in millinery, having completed various creative millinery projects during university as well as working with Clare Brown headwear, wedding and ascot milliner, to produce high end headwear. Additionally, during my time at Hope House Museum I restored original 1920s headwear as per the collectors request.
Final Year Project- Gráinne
2023
This work was produced for my final year creative project and was based on the life of Gráinne Ni Mháille, an Irish pirate queen and clan leader living in 16th century Ireland. This speculative production would be an interactive historical performance set in the Museum of Country Life, County Mayo. The costume utilised many techniques, such as breaking down, leatherwork, resin casting, weaving and felting.
Biopic Project: Hedy Lamarr
2022
A project in which I recreated a costume worn by Hedy Lamarr from the 1949 film Samson and Delilah. This included studying film costume making techniques from the era as well as sourcing materials that perfectly matched the original costume.
Limelight Tour: Theatre Royal Nottingham
October 2021- March 2022
I collaborated with Nottingham Theatre Royal to design and construct a costume based on their archival materials for the Limelight Backstage Tour. I utilised research and photoshop illustration skills, excel budget breakdown skills, and distanced collaboration to come to a final design. Alongside a third year, I constructed the top hat using professional millinery skills and designed and printed the fabric to be used. I also mass produced a collection of scarves to be worn by the performer and the assistants.
"Thank you for your wishes for the first tour. It will be really exciting to finally get the tours running again and with the extra addition of the wonderful bespoke costume.
Both David Longford and myself have been incredibly impressed with both your and Emily’s creativity, commitment and professionalism throughout the project and would like to sincerely thank you for all of your efforts."