EXPLORE the free-spirited era of the 1960s – the so-called “swinging” decade – through boutique fashion alongside fabulously creative homemade garments at Blandford Fashion Museum.
The museum is housed in the Georgian, Grade II-listed Lime Tree House in The Plocks, built by the Bastard brothers after the great fire of 1731. It houses collections that span more than two centuries, from the 1760s to the 1980s, providing a unique history of fashion and accessories. It was established in 1996 by Betty Penny, using her Cavalcade of Costumes as the basis for the collection, which has since grown with generous donations.
The new exhibition for 2026, Youthquake: 1960s, is part of the Fashioning Our Future project with the Salisbury Museum. Support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund enabled students from Arts University Bournemouth and local Sixth Forms to work with the museum team to create this exhibition.
Choosing objects from the museum’s extensive fashion collection, the students explored 1960s boutique fashion alongside homemade garments encapsulating the free-spirited energy of the 1960s. Many of the garments featured in the exhibition represent innovative sartorial statements of the 1960s, expressed through bold pieces made at home.
This adventurous attitude to style is a theme that resonated with the students, aligning with their concerns around sustainability and making conscious fashion choices.
Working with students to co-curate the exhibition has been a new approach for the museum, says collections manager Katie Godman: “Co-curating an exhibition with students was a new experience at Blandford Fashion Museum and one that we thoroughly enjoyed. The students brought energy and fresh ideas to our exhibition programme. We are looking forward to sharing the results with our visitors.”
In addition to the glorious 1960s fashions on display, visitors can also step into fashions of the era with a specially selected collection of garments for dressing up and handling. From crochet to patchwork, bold mini-dresses and boho maxi dresses, expect to be immersed in the “swinging 60s.”.
The exhibition, which opened on Saturday 14th February, runs alongside 20th Century Brides: A Hundred Years of Wedding Dresses. The two exhibitions are part of the museum’s 30th anniversary celebrations.