Make Do and Mend Finale

Last week was the finale of the Make Do and Mend project.  The Museum and University held a special event to reunite the students and members of Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Association BARRA.  The event was a great success – it was wonderful to see BARRA members and students talking about their work.  

We also announced the winner of the project.  Scott Gethings patriotic ‘Dig for Victory’ pinafore will be the first outfit from the project to be displayed in the new Birmingham History galleries.  When the new galleries open you will have the opportunity to see all the students work as a fashion style ‘look book’ will feature as part of the display.

Birmingham City University have a small exhibition of photographs taken by fashion photographer Joe Miles. 

 

Jo-Ann Curtis (Curator of History)

Make Do and Mend Project Update

Progress is being made by the Birmingham City University Fashion Design students working on Make Do and Mend project.  

Each student is designing and making an outfit which works the theme of wartime austerity and make do and mend.  Their work has largely been inspired by their visit to see the Museum’s dress collections in December and meeting with members of Birmingham Air Raid Remberance Association who shared their experiences of living in Birmingham during the Second World War. 

Yesterday we visited the students together with project photographer Andrew Jackson to document their progress to date. Their designs include a cape made from a reconstructed RAF jacket, a body-con dress made from a second hand jumper, a Dig for Victory inspired patriotic apron, and a rag rug inspired bolero.  We will visit again next week and maybe give you a sneak preview of some of the outfits.

Jo-Ann Curtis, Curator – History