Home / Arts and Entertainment / Lancashire Brand Dressed Royalty: Museum Exhibit
Lancashire Brand Dressed Royalty: Museum Exhibit
6 Apr
Summary
- Horrockses Fashions, founded in 1791, created glamorous yet affordable dresses.
- The late Queen Elizabeth II favored the brand, wearing its clothes before release.
- A free exhibition featuring 60 dresses opens September 19, 2026.
A new exhibition at the Harris Museum in Preston will showcase the legacy of Horrockses Fashions, a renowned Lancashire brand established in 1791. The exhibition, titled "Horrockses Fashions: Everyday Glamour and the Art of British Ready-to-Wear," opens on September 19, 2026, and will run until January 31, 2027.
This collection will feature 60 dresses, highlighting the brand's unique approach to textile design. Horrockses collaborated with leading artists to create distinctive fabrics, transforming ready-to-wear into wearable art with bold florals and geometric patterns. The brand's designers drew inspiration from Paris, adapting Dior's couture principles for more accessible cotton dresses.
The brand was particularly adored by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who had a preference for its collections. She famously packed several Horrockses cotton dresses for her 1953-54 Commonwealth tour. Princess Margaret and the Duchess of Kent were also noted fans.
Museum curators are inviting the public to share personal stories and memories related to Horrockses Fashions, whether from working at the mill or owning a cherished dress. The exhibition will also display original design materials and photography.
