Source: City of Leeds
The cringeworthy costumes and embarrassing outfits endured by children through the ages will come to light in a fashion-focused event in Leeds this week.
During a special talk at Lotherton, visitors will have the chance to hear about the timeless trend of dressing children like adults for family pictures, while seeing first-hand some of the more unusual results inflicted on infants for more than 500 years.
The talk will be part of the attraction’s current Fashion at Play exhibition, which explores the history of children’s fashion from the 1600s to the modern day.
Among the outlandish outfits up for discussion will be the famous portrait of Child with Rattle, painted in 1611, which has been specially conserved for display in the exhibition.
Depicting a boy of about two years old, just taking his first steps, the child was previously thought to be a girl but is now believed to be Henry Frederick Howard, the future third Earl of Arundel who was born in 1608.
Dressed in an ostentatious silk gown, with a lace neck ruff and fancy lace hat, and accessorised with a hand made, lace apron, his eye-catching ensemble was specifically designed to capture the wealth and status of his family.
Other questionable outfits featured in the event include those worn by youngsters Elizabeth and Edward, captured in a painting from around 1740.
Aged around 12, Edward has been dressed in an adult suit, sporting a large wig and is even holding a dress sword in an effort to make him look like a proper grown-up gentleman for the portrait.
Other outfits include a father and son in Wakefield wearing suits and riding matching penny farthing bikes, a fashion print from a Victorian women’s fashion magazine from around 1885 and a carefully posed picture of a mother and daughter from the 1860s, both wearing formal dress.
The exhibition also features an album of photographs documenting a spectacular children’s fancy dress ball hosted at Leeds Town Hall by the mayor and mayoress of Leeds, Mr and Mrs Alf Cooke, on January 12, 1891.
Nearly 400 children from well-to-do families attended, with each child dressed in a striking costume.
Natalie Raw, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of costume and textiles, said: “The long tradition of children wearing grown up outfits is one that has clearly endured for hundreds of years, with youngsters of all ages being styled to essentially look like miniature versions of their parents.
“The reasons for this have varied, from wanting to convey wealth and status in aristocratic circles, to a simple expression of affection between parents and their children.
“Unfortunately for the children depicted in some of these family portraits, it’s probably fair to say they wouldn’t have chosen these outfits for themselves. Nevertheless, they do still tell us a lot about the evolution of children’s fashions and styles and how much they reflect wider trends over the years.”
During the upcoming talk, which takes place on June 24, visitors will also have the chance to see a variety of historic garments up close, followed by tea in the servants’ rooms at Lotherton with the curator.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “It’s fascinating to see how the story of fashion, costumes and textiles in Leeds and beyond has developed over the centuries and to have so many remarkable images and objects in our collection which help tell that story so well.
“Our exhibitions and events are the perfect way to get an up-close look at some of these wonderful exhibits and to find out more about the lesser known aspects of what is an amazing facet of our local heritage.”
More details on the Tea and Talk session, including how to book, can be fund at: Tea and Talk with the Curator: Mini Adults | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions
Fashion at Play will be at Lotherton until October 12, 2025. For more details, please visit: Fashion at Play | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions
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