Unveiling Elegance: Ramsay and Edinburgh Fashion Exhibition at the Georgian House
Ramsay and Edinburgh Fashion at National Trust for Scotland’s Georgian House is now open
This summer, the National Trust for Scotland's Georgian House in Edinburgh is set to captivate visitors with its latest exhibition, "Ramsay and Edinburgh Fashion," is now open (June 7th). This innovative showcase unites the Trust’s collection of Allan Ramsay’s portraits for the first time, offering a unique glimpse into the world of 18th-century fashion and society.
Ramsay, celebrated as one of the finest portrait painters of his era, masterfully captured the sartorial splendour of Edinburgh’s high society women. Spanning 30 years of Ramsay's career, the exhibition not only highlights his artistic prowess but also delves into the role fashion played in defining social status during the mid-1700s.
Visitors can expect an intimate experience, with an array of Ramsay’s portraits that reveal the intricate details of the period's clothing, accessories, and prevailing trends. Complementing these artworks is a rare 18th-century dress from Newhailes House, meticulously cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Adding a dynamic touch, the first week of the exhibition features a live demonstration where volunteers, led by dress historian Rebecca Olds, will recreate a 1760s gown based on one worn by Katherine Ann Mure, a Ramsay sitter.
This week (the first week) the exhibition features a live demonstration where volunteers, led by dress historian Rebecca Olds, recreate a 1760s gown based on one worn by Katherine Ann Mure, a Ramsay sitter.
Curated by Dr Antonia Laurence Allen, the exhibition also presents newly commissioned research mapping Edinburgh’s 18th-century clothing and textile trades. This research paints a vivid picture of the bustling high street, filled with shopkeepers offering luxurious silks, satins, and linens, essential for crafting the elegant attire that symbolised wealth and sophistication.
Dr Allen explains, “Fashion and clothing were vital in communicating subtle signs of status during the mid-1700s. Ramsay’s portraits not only captured real fashions but also promoted the cultural sophistication and progressive ideals of his sitters. This exhibition brings our magnificent Ramsay collection together for the first time, providing a rich historical context.”
The exhibition underscores themes of sustainability, drawing parallels between 18th-century practices of altering and upcycling garments and today's eco-conscious fashion trends. After its initial display, the newly crafted gown will find a permanent home at Gladstone’s Land, the Trust's recreated 1766 draper’s shop on the Royal Mile.
In addition to the exhibition, the Georgian House will host a Wednesday evening lecture series, exploring topics such as fashion traders, global trade routes, and the societal impacts of clothing in Enlightenment Edinburgh.
The Ramsay and Edinburgh Fashion exhibition offers not only an artistic feast but also an educational journey through the intricate world of 18th-century fashion. Running until 24 November 2024, it is included with admission to the Georgian House, free for National Trust for Scotland members. For more information and to book events, visit [nts.org.uk/visit/places/georgian-house](http://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/georgian-house).