Curtain Call art review: Stitching for the stars
From Dundee to the global stage, this exhibition celebrates the craft behind iconic screen and stage costumes
There’s an undisputed air of glamour in The McManus’ new exhibition which brings together sumptuous costumes from film, television, theatre and opera. Curtain Call’s main focus is to highlight the work of designers originally from the local area who have gone on to forge successful careers in the industry. The roll call features films such as Outlaw King and Suffragette along with television series The Crown, Poldark, The Essex Serpent and Hetty Feather. There’s also a selection of costumes worn by members of Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre.
Some standouts include two opulent pieces worn by Ben Kingsley and Niamh Cusack in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 1985 production of Othello, designed by the late Perth-born Alex Reid. A striking polka-dot dress and cropped jacket worn by Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II in season two of The Crown, shimmering in its 1950s glory, is the work of Emmy award-winning Newport-On-Tay native Jane Petrie. Another of Petrie’s designs is an impeccable Emmeline Pankhurst costume worn by Meryl Streep in 2015 film Suffragette. Meanwhile, an intricate ivory 1930s-style embroidered wedding dress by Wormit-raised designer Ros Little comes from the set of Channel 5 show All Creatures Great And Small.
Cabinets contain production logs which detail how costumes were worn on set, while design sketches and watercolours reveal the origins of garments. A reel showing clips of the costumes in their respective productions adds context and demonstrates them in motion. This exhibition gives recognition to the complex research and work that goes on behind the scenes to help form realistic, well-imagined characters. This celebration of local creatives who have made their mark on the industry also demonstrates the possibilities open to anyone who may be looking to pursue a similar career path.
Curtain Call, The McManus, Dundee, until Sunday 15 November.