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Oh Boy! Boy’s Dress 1760-1930

Start Date 29 September 2023
End Date 03 March 2024
Venue Fashion and Textile Museum
Location London, U.K.
Curator Amy de la Haye and Alasdair Peebles
A row of boys' dress on display. One mannequin holds a kite whilst another holds a conquer on a string. Another kit is 'flying' in the case.

The Fashion and Textile Museum is excited to present Oh Boy! – an exploration into historical boy’s dress. Curated by leading fashion historian Amy de la Haye, alongside renowned expert collector Alasdair Peebles, experience an unrivalled collection of an often-undervalued area of fashion history, spread over two acts.

29 September – 16 December 2023
Act One: Breeched: No More Dresses explores the ceremony of entry to the masculine world, taking place after six years of age, through abandoning dresses in favour of breeches, focusing on 1760 through to 1810. Featuring a dimity gown and coat; a robust three-piece fustian breeches suit and a block-printed skeleton suit, alongside other fascinating pieces.

21 December 2023 – 3 March 2024
Act Two: Ship Shape delves into the vogue for nautical wear dating from 1860 to 1930. Starting with a miniature suit that an Admiral had made for his young son and including linen and wool serge suits, loosely inspired by naval dress, accompanied by accessories.

The space will be imaginatively adorned, showcasing Alasdair’s skills as a decorative period interior painter and will narratively explore the topic of collecting.