The silver screen comes to life at Cannon Hall with the opening of their latest exhibition

Cannon Hall Museum will become the backdrop to a movie set with the arrival of its new exhibition. ‘Costume from the Classics’ which will open at the Museum on Friday, 24 May and run until Sunday, 15 September.  

The free display features magnificent dresses and exquisite suits, classic literature, and unforgettable period drama.

Included in the displays are costumes from films such as The Duchess worn by Keira Knightley and The Danish Girl, worn by Eddie Redmayne alongside blockbusters made for TV including Queen Charlotte – A Bridgerton Story and Murder on the Orient Express.

Visitors will be able to admire the detail and beauty of the Oscar-winning garments up close, which were made for the stars who wore them.  Film buffs can revel in the costume made especially for Hollywood superstar, Bette Davies for her part in Death on the Nile, or the dramatic gown from the Duchess.  People have a unique opportunity to see how they capture the essence of the story, reflect the characters, and represent the times they lived in.

The exhibition is inspired by John Spencer's library, following a programme of cleaning the books on the shelves, and conservation of the Dutch still life painting ‘Dead Game’ over the fireplace, kindly funded by Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust. Information on how John Spencer decorated and filled the room will be on display for visitors to find out more.

Young & not so young visitors will also have fun dressing up and performing on a mini film  set ‘Costume Capers’ in the museum and there will also be a trails and talks.

The exhibition is provided by CosProp, one of the world’s leading costume providers for the film, TV and theatre industries.

Jon Finch, Head of Culture and Visitor Economy said: “Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens is one of the most stunning places to visit in Yorkshire attracting almost 1M visitors last year.  Now visitors have even more reason to come and see us with the arrival of this stunning exhibition bringing the magic of the movies right here to Barnsley.  The Museum will be filled with glitz and glamour and people can see costumes from blockbuster films from across the decades.  It’s a real treat for fans of film, fashion, stage and screen!”

See our exhibition page for more information and online activities.