The newly refreshed and enhanced Secrets of Dress gallery invites visitors to explore the fascinating intersection of fashion and social history.

Moving beyond simple aesthetics, this remodelled exhibition uses clothing and textiles to uncover the intimate stories of people’s lives and experiences across the centuries.

From 400-year-old sequins to the practical Utility shoes of the Second World War, every object on display reveals secrets about past lifestyles that remain surprisingly relatable today. Visitors can trace the evolution of style from the cottage industries of old Yorkshire to the mass-produced fashions of the industrial age, witnessing history brought to life through the very things people wore.

This immersive display provides a unique lens on our shared heritage, offering fresh interpretations of the garments and accessories that shaped our world.