Viewing Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians

Step into a world of glamour, glitz, and grandeur as The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, unveils a major exhibition that captures the revolutionary life and style of the Georgians. From April 21st to October 8th, 2023, Dressing the Georgians will take visitors on a captivating journey through time, exploring how trade, entertainment, and technological innovations gave rise to iconic fashion trends that swept across all levels of society.

Feast your eyes on a breathtaking collection of over 200 works from the Royal Collection, including masterpieces by revered artists like Gainsborough, Zoffany, and Hogarth. Besides these precious paintings, prints, and drawings, rare and well-preserved examples of clothing and accessories provide a tantalising glimpse into the day’s fashion.

Embark on a journey through the years, tracing the evolution of clothing and silhouettes from George I’s accession in 1714 to the passing of George IV in 1830. Watch as practical attire for laundry maids gives way to the shimmering gowns favoured by courtiers and experience the cultural influences that shaped the period’s trends. Witness how the Georgians’ pursuit of beauty and luxury led to advancements in haircare, cosmetics, eyewear, and dentistry and how their love for the dramatically inspired caricaturists to create unforgettable satirical sketches.