An array of costumes and relics will be on show this week at the Be Persuaded: A Jane Austen Experience exhibition in Bendigo.
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Fiona Baverstock exhibition curator said the collection of clothing showcases original costumes from Jane Austen’s era.
“The exhibition represents Jane herself, some of her family members and a few of the most famous characters from her novels,” Mrs Baverstock said.
“From our collection, we’ve focused on what Jane would’ve looked like and we have dressed her in an original gown.”
“The oldest dress in the exhibition represents her mother, we imagine she would have worn it in 1775, the year Jane was born. It’s a very rare eighteenth century gown.”
Mrs Baverstock said the the exhibition covers the Regency era which is what most people associate with Jane Austen.
The exhibition highlights the progression of fashion through time and all the items of clothing on show are originals.
“None are replicas, you couldn’t produce these now, there isn’t the fabric or workmanship anymore,” Mrs Baverstock said.
Mrs Baverstock said clothing of this era is hard to find, except in the “odd museum”, and at the exhibition you have the opportunity to see them “close up”.
Bronte Bailey, visitor to the exhibition said the costumes are “definitely” what she had envisioned while she was reading Jane Austen novels.
“Pride and Prejudice is my favourite novel,” Ms Bailey said.
“I’ve really enjoyed looking at all the dresses and seeing all the intricacies and how they’ve been embroidered.”
The exhibition will be open daily from 10am-5pm at Dudley House until January 23.
