Tamworth Castle is partnering with South Staffordshire College on a new fashion and heritage project celebrating the town’s Victorian past.
Threads of Victoria brings together a castle illumination and a public exhibition featuring Victorian-inspired garments created by fashion and textiles students, drawing on historic materials from the castle’s collection.
The project has been developed with 22 students from South Staffordshire College, who took inspiration from rare fabric samples linked to Queen Victoria’s visit to Tamworth in 1843, when she met Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel at Drayton Manor. The textiles, believed to have been used in garments worn by the Queen, informed the students’ exploration of 19th-century colour, detail and craftsmanship.
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project forms part of Tamworth Castle’s heritage crafts programme. Students took part in practical workshops led by heritage craft specialists, learning traditional techniques including lace-making and Victorian costume construction.
The project launches on Friday, 13 February with a 10-minute evening illumination of Tamworth Castle, visible from the Castle Grounds near the Bandstand from 7.30pm. The projection will feature student photography and video, garment designs, sketches and reflections, alongside Victorian music and interpretation referencing Queen Victoria’s visit.
The accompanying exhibition opens on Saturday 14 February in the Withdrawing Room at Tamworth Castle and runs until Sunday, 15 March. It will display the students’ Victorian-inspired garments and undergarments, alongside selected Victorian objects from the castle’s collection and historic sample fabrics associated with Queen Victoria’s dresses.
Victorian craft workshops will take place in the castle’s Oak Room on selected dates in February, led by historical costumier Maya Howes. Activities include embroidery, hand stitching and Victorian paper doll making and are included with general admission, subject to availability.
Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, leisure and engagement, heritage, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing this unique exhibition, curated by our town’s young people. Threads of Victoria is a wonderful example of how we can bring our local heritage to life in new and creative ways.
“By working with young people and giving them access to our historic collections, we’re not only celebrating Tamworth’s Victorian past, but also supporting skills, creativity and confidence for the future. The illumination and exhibition promise to be something really special for our residents and visitors to see.”
