I had a research residency at Abbot Hall in 2023, working with their collections of eighteenth century paintings and costume. My research focussed upon the fact that many of the items held in the social history collection at Abbot Hall have no historical provenance, as this was not recorded when the items were accessioned. I used the residency to create a past that never was for a late eighteenth century dress. This alternative history was based upon two paintings also held in the Lakeland Art collection. These paintings had both been owned by the Duke of Sutherland. My history for the dress was created by referencing the dress across a film, several paintings, and a piece of writing. The film and paintings were exhibited in an installation at Lancaster University in August 2023.

Supported by:

Lakeland Arts

Lancaster University