Embroideries from the 17th century and dress and accessories from the 18th century onwards. Women's late 19th and 20th century clothes are particularly well represented, as are christening gowns, patchwork quilts, samplers, smocks and fashion plates, and wedding dresses, many of which are displayed at the Red House Museum.
Textiles explore the range of fabrics and designs and methods of decoration for both clothing and domestic furnishings.
The Hampshire Story 1856-1891 and a Hampshire company’s lasting legacy
The textiles collection numbers many small embroideries including a Jacobite needle purse of c1715 and samplers including the Fanny Adams sampler commemorating the death of a small child in Alton.
Banner image (top of page) - detail from The Chace, designed by Heywood Sumner.
More about the Heywood Sumner tapestry
Isabella Watts c1830-35, on display at Westbury Manor Museum