Author Archives: Clare

I was interviewed on the Today programme on Radio 4 on 4th November as part of a feature marking the centenary of Woman’s Weekly magazine. The publishers have reissued the first ever edition, and it is fascinating; it has articles … Continue reading →

At the launch yesterday for Martin Polley’s book, The British Olympics, which uncovers fascinating information about the idea of the Olympics in Britain before 1900. There were several ‘Olympic’ games with competitions in traditional British pastimes like shin-kicking as well … Continue reading →

I’ve been working on this exhibition for the last six months, uncovering fascinating documents in The Women’s Library and the TUC archives. Some are unbelievably sad, like the records of the young women poisoned by working with toxic materials. Some … Continue reading →

I was speaking at the Women’s History Network conference at the Women’s Library, London, on my research project on the 1970s feminist dress codes. Several of the people I’d interviewed were in the audience, as were others who were active … Continue reading →

Earlier this year we visited St Paul’s Church, the unofficial centre for the emergency services workers on the Twin Towers site after 9/11. It was extraordinary to see how people had come together to support the workers, and the way … Continue reading →

At the Trans National Clothing conference which I’m co-organizing at Bath Spa University with Jo Turney. Have heard some really interesting papers on topics ranging from Norwegian wool sweaters to indie fashion and rock in Indonesia. Have swapped ideas and … Continue reading →

Just been interviewed by Ted Robbins of BBC Radio Lancashire about changing dress codes in the workplace. I had a chance to flag up the exhibition I’m working on for The Women’s Library and the TUC Library, London – All … Continue reading →

My daughter went to her friend’s 6th form leavers’ ball last weekend in a dress made from parts of a Boue Soeurs 1920s ‘robe de style’, remodelled around 1960 – and taken in by her mother. The bodice has machine-made … Continue reading →

Intarsia patchwork panel of a farmyard scene, V&A AP27-1917 My article, A patchwork panel ‘shown at the Great Exhibition’, has just gone up on the V&A Online Magazine. It takes a small textile in the V&A collections as the starting … Continue reading →

Forthe last evening of Vintage to Vogue, the group members brought their own treasures to show us. There were some beautiful pieces and some wonderful stories including survival in Leningrad, relatives who supported the family by dressmaking, and several weddings. Here … Continue reading →