March 23, 2024 to June 30, 2024

Icons of British Fashion

Blenheim Palace

The eagerly awaited Icons of British Fashion exhibition at Blenheim Palace is set to transform this historic venue into a grand stage for the celebration of British style. Showcasing an impressive array of world-class designers and labels, the exhibition weaves the rich tapestry of fashion history into the opulent setting of the 300-year-old palace. Each prominent room along the visitor route is dedicated to a different British fashion luminary, beginning with the majestic Great Hall.

As you step into the Great Hall, you are immediately captivated by the influential designs of the late Dame Vivienne Westwood and her creative partner Andreas Kronthaler. Their iconic pieces, renowned for blending rebellion with regal elegance, set a striking tone for the exhibition. The grandeur of the hall, with its soaring ceilings and intricate details, provides the perfect backdrop for Westwood’s bold, avant-garde creations.

As you continue your journey, each room offers a new narrative in the story of British fashion. From the classical to the contemporary, the exhibition celebrates the diversity and dynamism of Britain’s fashion heritage. Encounter the timeless elegance of Burberry's trench coats, the daring sophistication of Alexander McQueen, and the innovative genius of Stella McCartney. Each designer's work is thoughtfully curated to highlight their unique contributions to the world of fashion, set against the backdrop of Blenheim Palace's rich history and architecture.

Join us at Blenheim Palace for this extraordinary exhibition and immerse yourself in a celebration of British fashion's finest. Whether you’re a fashion aficionado or simply curious about the evolution of style, this exhibition promises to be an unforgettable journey through the artistry and impact of Britain’s most iconic designers.

BOOK A VISIT

  • Palace, Formal Gardens & Park Book now
  • Event open to holders of Palace, Formal Gardens & Park, tickets between March 23, 2024 and June 30, 2024

The exhibition will take place inside the Palace. Entrance is free with a valid Pass or Palace ticket Time 10.30 - 16.45 No dogs allowed.

  • Palace, Formal Gardens & Park FROM £22.00

  • Icons of British Fashion

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    MORE ABOUT THIS LOCATION

    Blenheim Palace

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    Explore the room where Sir Winston Churchill was born, wander to the Column of Victory and take in the breathtaking gardens crafted by Capability Brown

    Blenheim Palace

    Blenheim, England’s only non-royal palace, packs more than a punch. Named after the 1704 battle in which the man to whom the site was given John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough triumphed over the French, thanks to some funds from Queen Anne it was finally completed in 1722 by Sir John Vanbrugh. Its build journey was not an easy one, with Vanbrugh and Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough in constant clashes, and in the end they parted ways. From 1764, the landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown transformed the park at Blenheim into a naturalistic haven, building a tree-fringed lake at its centre, around which today wonderful walks can be had with views of the palace.

     

    By the late 19th century, the Marlboroughs’ finances were looking bleak, and a series of paintings, as well as Blenheim’s library were sold to ease the situation. Salvation came in 1895 when the super-rich American heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt was encouraged by her ambitious mother to marry Charles ‘Sunny’ Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough, and save Blenheim from ruin with the money she was able to pump into it. While this was successful, the venture came at a different kind of cost: the Marlboroughs’ marriage failed, and ended in 1921. The house was used as a school and then to house MI5 during the Second World War, during which the family stayed on-site, and in 1987, Blenheim was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It remains the family home of the Dukes of Marlborough.

     

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