Fashion Museum Bath launches new mini museum, “Fashion Unpacked"

Fashion Museum Bath has unveiled Fashion Unpacked, an innovative mini museum designed to take fashion heritage out of the archives and into the heart of the community.

With initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, the project will launch at Bath Central Library on Tuesday 25 November, from 10am to 1pm, offering visitors the chance to explore historic objects up close and take part in creative, hands-on activities.

Fashion Unpacked – affectionately known as “the Trunk” – is a striking, mobile resource that promises to spark curiosity and conversation. Inside the trunk, housed in specially designed cases, visitors will discover an early 18th century embroidered pocket, a Regency embroidery sampler, and a selection of 19th century hairwork jewellery. This is the first time that such rare treasures from the Museum’s collection have been taken out into the community, offering close-up insights into style, identity, and craftsmanship across the centuries.

Designed by illustrator Lesley Barnes and furniture maker William Warren, the trunk combines bold design with interactive experiences, inviting people of all ages to discover the stories behind fashion in imaginative and creative ways.

Fashion Unpacked is an important step in Fashion Museum Bath’s journey to create the UK’s leading museum dedicated to the transformative power of fashion, housed in the prominent Grade II listed Old Post Office in the heart of Bath. While the museum undergoes its transformation, the collection remains accessible through projects like this, which aim to keep heritage alive and relevant during this exciting transition. The project will also play a role in shaping the future museum by gathering ideas and feedback from the communities it visits.

The launch event at Bath Central Library is the first in a series of pop-up sessions across Bath & North East Somerset. As well as seeing collection pieces, participants can create bookmarks and embroidery inspired by historic textiles, explore fashion history through playful activities, and reflect on personal stories of style and sentiment. Fashion Unpacked aims to build lasting connections and inspire ongoing participation in the museum’s journey to opening.

Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, Bath & North East Somerset Council, said:

“Fashion Unpacked is a fantastic example of how we can keep culture active and accessible while the Fashion Museum Bath prepares for its new home. By bringing heritage into everyday spaces, we’re sparking creativity and inspiring people of all ages to connect with Bath’s rich fashion history. We are grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the West of England Combined Authority for supporting this innovative initiative and helping us share these stories with our communities.”

Jo Mawdsley, Learning & Engagement Lead, Fashion Museum Bath, added:

“We want people to feel part of the museum’s future. Fashion Unpacked is designed to start conversations, inspire creativity, and gather ideas that will help shape our new museum. It’s a chance for everyone to engage with fashion in a fun, hands-on way, and explore a range of skills.”

Stuart McLeod, Director of London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re proud to support Fashion Museum Bath in bringing its remarkable collection out into the community. Fashion Unpacked is a brilliant example of how heritage can be shared in creative and accessible ways, sparking curiosity and inspiring people of all ages. Thanks to National Lottery players, projects like this help to connect people to the heritage on their doorstep and make sure they remain relevant today.”

West of England Mayor Helen Godwin said:

 “Projects like Fashion Unpacked bring our region’s heritage and creativity directly into our communities. When I visited the Fashion Museum Bath’s archive recently, I was genuinely inspired – it’s an extraordinary collection and a real asset for the whole of the West of England.

“With support from our regional authority, this new mini-museum project is helping keep our history alive and accessible while the museum’s new home in Bath takes shape. I’m pleased that residents of all ages can get hands-on with our fashion heritage, discover new skills, and even be inspired to explore careers in our thriving creative industries.”

 

Join Fashion Museum Bath at Bath Central Library on Tuesday 25 November, any time from 10am to 1pm, and help unpack the stories of fashion together.

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