Derby Museums’ latest exhibition at Pickford’s House in Derby
Created a Dame of the British Empire in the 2006 New Year’s Honours List ‘for services to fashion’ and twice named British designer of the year, Vivienne Westwood is an iconic figure in the international world of fashion. She was also born in Tintwistle and attended Glossop Grammar School, so it seems entirely fitting that Derby Museums’ should exhibit this private collection of shoes she designed.
Collected over 15 years, they were chosen for their innovative and avant-garde design as well as beauty and span the decades from the 1970s – when Vivienne Westwood opened the ‘Sex’ boutique with Malcolm McLaren – to her recent mass market collaboration with the Brazilian company Melissa, demonstrating that she remains the undisputed Queen of British fashion. Displaying them so well in the Georgian surroundings of Pickford’s House has also added to their interest and intrigue. Whether your preference is for the black ‘spike’ or the ‘hammerhead’ shoe, ‘pirate’ and ‘bag’ boots or Tracey Trainers, they all have style and exquisite craftsmanship in common. This is a fascinating exhibition and, if any were needed, another excuse to visit lovely Pickford’s House on Friargate in Derby.
The exhibition runs until Sunday 17th September, open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am-5pm.
