WW1 fashions tell the story of the war era for women

A remarkable collection of clothing and memorabilia from the First World War will feature in an exhibition to be staged at Fairfield Halls this month (November) by the London Mozart Players.

‘Hidden Croydon’ is part of an exciting series of arts, heritage and educational activities and events devised by Croydon’s resident orchestra to commemorate the centenary of WW1. The centrepiece will be the première of a new choral work by Jonathan Dove on Friday 14 November, involving choirs from local schools and Croydon Minster, with local bands and young musicians playing alongside the orchestra.

Students from Riddlesdown Collegiate will curate the exhibition using items brought in by local people to tell the story of Croydon at this defining moment in world history.

Authentic historical clothing will be part of the display, including a near-pristine Red Cross nurse’s uniform kindly loaned by local costume collector Heather Griffin.

Having studied dress, art and society as part of her History of Art degree, Heather started collecting pieces and has amassed an impressive collection of garments, including gowns, gloves, parasols, petticoats and shoes. Her collection spans the years 1770 through to 1930. She heard about the ‘Hidden Croydon’ exhibition from a friend and was keen to volunteer some of her treasured items.

“The nurse’s uniform is original and complete, including the head-dress, collar and cuffs and, believe it or not, I found it on eBay,” she said. “The fashion of the era tells us a lot about the war years. Up until 1910, women’s fashions were very pretty and structured with boning and so on. After the onset of war, things changed dramatically and clothing became far more sombre. Hemlines also went up. Obviously women had to take on jobs previously done by men so clothing had to be loose fitting and practical. It really tells the story of how women’s lives changed because of the war.”

Heather’s WW1 collection also includes a ‘Princess Mary Christmas Box’. “When the war started, 17-year-old Princess Mary organised a public appeal to raise funds to ensure that 'every Sailor afloat and every Soldier at the front' received a Christmas present. Due to the strong public support, which saw £162,591 12s 5d raised, the eligibility for the gift was widened to include every person 'wearing the King's uniform on Christmas Day 1914', about 2,620,019 servicemen and women. The tins were filled with various items including tobacco, confectionary, spices, pencils, a Christmas card and a pictures of the royal family.”

“This is a unique and fascinating treasure trove of memorabilia loaned by local people and organisations such as Croydon Museum and Croydon Airport Society,” said Julia Desbruslais from London Mozart Players. “There are all manner of military artefacts and personal family collections including war-time musical scores, autograph books and photographs. It’s a great opportunity to connect with our past and learn about the impact of the Great War on the area we live today.

“The concert will also be incredibly beautiful and moving and we would love to fill Fairfield Halls for this very special commemoration.”