Craft and Illusion: Costume Making in Britain offers a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain into the hidden world of costume creation, celebrating the generations of skill, knowledge and craftsmanship that have shaped Britain's vibrant performance industry.
This landmark publication explores the rich history of costume making through a series of essays spanning centuries of theatrical production, from eighteenth-century Drury Lane to the renowned costume construction course established at Mabel Fletcher Technical College in Liverpool. The second part of the book brings together twenty-three contributions from some of Britain's most accomplished costume makers, researchers and practitioners. Through personal reflections, technical insights and creative essays, they reveal the artistry, innovation and dedication behind costumes created for opera, ballet and theatre.
- Featuring contributions and expertise from the Royal Ballet and Opera Costume Department, alongside leading costume makers from across the UK, the book highlights the essential role costume plays in bringing performances to life on stage.
- The first major publication dedicated to costume making in Britain, Craft and Illusion invites readers backstage and into the workroom, offering a rare opportunity to discover the exceptional craftsmanship, creativity and technical expertise behind the costumes that help create theatrical magic
- Jade Halbert is a historian specialising in fashion manufacturing, with a particular focus on preserving the often-overlooked histories of making and the transfer of craft skills across workplaces, from factories to home workshops.
- Veronica Isaac is a costume historian with over a decade of experience working with the costume collections of the former Department of Theatre and Performance at the Victoria and Albert Museum, bringing specialist expertise in the history of costume and performance dress.
- Hardback book featuring 240 pages 24 x 28 cm
