Business Details
30 Years
experience
Blandford Fashion Museum: Celebrating British Fashion History
Founded in 1996 by the late Mrs Betty Penny MBE, Blandford Fashion Museum occupies Lime Tree House, a historic Georgian property in Blandford Forum. Originally housing Mrs Penny's renowned Cavalcade of Costume collection, our holdings have grown threefold through public donations. Accredited by Arts Council England since 2010, we maintain 13 display spaces across two floors with rotating exhibitions that explore the interplay between fashion and social history.Our volunteer-led team delivers educational workshops, conservation projects, and community engagement initiatives while managing a digitisation programme funded by Dorset Council's Culture and Community Project Fund. The museum operates seasonally from mid-February to November, offering curated group visits, a dedicated resources room for academic study, and a traditional tearoom serving local produce.
Services
Exhibitions
Group Visits
Educational Workshops
Tearoom
Gift Shop
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer expertly curated exhibitions connecting fashion with social history
- Our museum holds Arts Council England accreditation status
- We provide educational workshops for students and academic researchers
- Our volunteer team includes specialists in costume conservation
- We operate a seasonal digitisation programme for historic collections
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council England
Services
Exhibitions
Our rotating exhibitions showcase over 4,000 historic garments and textiles, with at least two new displays annually. The collection spans three centuries of fashion evolution, including rare 18th-century pieces and contemporary designer wear. Each exhibition explores thematic connections between clothing and social history.
Group Visits
We accommodate pre-booked group visits with guided tours and tailored educational sessions. Groups receive priority access and can combine museum exploration with tearoom reservations. Our volunteer guides provide specialist knowledge of costume history and conservation practices.
Educational Workshops
Our portfolio workshops support sixth-form students applying to fashion courses. Funded by arts charities, these sessions teach practical skills like leatherwork and pleating. We also offer school curriculum-linked programmes and academic research facilities.
Tearoom
The traditional tearoom serves locally sourced cream teas and homemade cakes in a courtyard garden setting. Volunteers provide hospitality while supporting museum operations. Refreshments accompany group visits and special events.
Gift Shop
Our boutique shop sells fashion-related books, exclusive merchandise, and museum brochures. Proceeds directly support conservation efforts and exhibition development. Items include postcards, accessories, and publications on costume history.
Questions
When is the museum open?
We open mid-February to November, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm. Last entry at 4pm. We close December-February for exhibition changes.
What are entry charges?
Adults £6.00, Seniors £5.00, Students £4.00. Children under 16 and Friends of the Museum enter free. Essential carers admitted without charge.
Can I visit with a group?
Pre-booked groups welcome Tuesday-Saturday. We offer guided tours and tearoom reservations. Two carers enter free. Contact us for booking details.
Do you offer educational programmes?
We run portfolio workshops for sixth-form students and curriculum-linked school visits. Our resources room supports academic research into fashion history.
How is the museum funded?
We receive limited Town Council support but rely on entry fees, donations, and volunteer efforts. Our digitisation project received Dorset Council funding in 2024.
Is the museum accessible?
Ground floor access available with disabled WC. First floor currently inaccessible for mobility-impaired visitors. Assistance dogs welcome.
Reviews (4)
Jenny Eldridge
Jul 14, 2021
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Small but well stocked little museum with lots of interesting costumes from different decades to see.
Roger Clarke
May 22, 2021
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This is a gem of a museum in the heart of Georgian Blandford Forum. The collection of dress from the eighteenth century to 1990 is carefully and accessibly curated so that the visitor can get an insight in the history behind the garments selected for display. There is a very friendly and comfortable tea room to visit aftewards. Probably the most authentic Georgian style experience in this town.
Claire Diment
Feb 26, 2020
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I’ve been taking school trips to the Blandford Fashion Museum for over 20 years. The children really enjoy it and learn so much. The staff are wonderful! Friendly and very helpful. Their dedication and passion to this gem of a museum is obvious. Every time I go, they always have something new to see. Highly recommended.
Geraldine Sackville
Dec 18, 2019
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Lovely little tearoom here. All the cakes are homemade and are delicious. The ginger cake is a must, best l have tried. All the staff are volunteers and they're lovely and friendly.
