Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary opens at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
A major retrospective on the work of Dame Mary Quant, who died last month aged 93, is set to open at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum this Saturday.
Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 18 May 2023 13:24
Images: SNS
Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary is the final chance to see the international exhibition, which features over 100 garments, accessories, cosmetics, and photographs drawn from the V&A’s extensive collections, Dame Mary Quant’s archive and many private collections.
Focusing on the years from 1955, when Quant opened her experimental boutique Bazaar on the King’s Road, Chelsea, through the ‘Swinging Sixties’ when Mary Quant was awarded her OBE, to 1975, it showcases the period when Quant revolutionised the high street with subversive and playful designs for a younger generation.
Heather Tilbury Phillips, who was a Director of Mary Quant Limited and Advisor to the V&A on the exhibition, was joined by the curator of the exhibition for V&A, Jenny Lister, at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to see final preparations being made ahead of the exhibition opening this weekend.
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Mary Quant was a ground-breaking designer, whose energy, work ethic and can-do attitude changed the face of fashion in Britain at a time when society was rapidly changing for women. Her accessible, affordable designer fashion changed the way people looked at the world and empowered an entire generation to look good and feel great.
“The V&A has curated an exhibition that demonstrates Mary Quant’s influence, which has equal appeal to those who wore her clothes and to an entirely new generation who are discovering her for the first time. Glasgow Life Museums are very pleased to host the final outing of this wonderful exhibition.”
Jenny Lister, co-curator of Mary Quant at the V&A, added: “I’m thrilled that we can present another chance to see the Mary Quant exhibition in Scotland and I’m so Iooking forward to seeing the iconic Mary Quant dresses on display in the amazing building at Kelvingrove. It will be the perfect way of celebrating Dame Mary’s magnificent contribution to fashion.”
Heather Tilbury Phillips, former Director of Mary Quant Limited and Advisor to the V&A on the exhibition, said: “I know how delighted Mary would have been that the exhibition is here at this wonderful venue in Glasgow. We very much enjoyed several highly successful and inspirational trips to Scotland together visiting fabric and knitwear producers and leading retailers. Harris Tweed, Paisley designs, plaids, definitive checks and tartans in Viyella often featured strongly in her collections and the vibrant fashion shows and cosmetic launches were always such fun, stimulating many happy memories.”
Sections of the exhibition look at the shift from couture to mass market designer fashion with the launch of the Ginger Group; how she moved fashion forward by going back and embracing the textile industry at the very heart of British manufacturing; the way Mary Quant ‘borrowed from the boys’ and manipulated menswear to challenge the conventional gender stereotypes of the day.
Famous for popularising super high hem lines, the exhibition goes on to explore the story of the miniskirt, dressmaking patterns, make-up, and accessories that all showcased the iconic daisy logo.
Among over 100 objects, visitors can see the pioneering ‘Wet Collection’ PVC rainwear that featured on an iconic edition of Vogue, a collection of Daisy dolls created in Scotland by Lanarkshire based Model Toys, and the dress she wore when receiving her OBE in 1966 and the innovative jersey dress.
The exhibition also features stories of women who responded to the V&A’s #WeWantQuant campaign, a public call-out to locate rare garments by Quant and collect personal stories, memories and photographs from real people who wore her clothes, including several Scottish contributors.
The themes of dressmaking, marketing and fashion across the decades are explored in detail and provide the focus for an innovative public programme of demonstrations, workshops and talks that will complement the exhibition at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Rebecca Quinton Curator of Dress at Glasgow Life Museums, said: “Dame Mary Quant’s contribution to British fashion was truly trailblazing and marked a radical change in the way clothing was designed and marketed both in the United Kingdom and internationally. It’s fantastic to be the culminating host of the exhibition tour and to share Quant’s amazing vision with our visitors.”
Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary opens on Saturday 20 May and runs until 22 October 2023, tickets are £8.50, concession £6.50, children under 12 are free and can be booked online at www.glasgowlife.org.uk
The exhibition is organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Daniel Casey to star as Inspector Barnaby in Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders
Original cast member of Midsomer Murders, Daniel Casey, joins new stage adaptation making its Scottish premiere at the Theatre Royal Glasgow in February.
READ MORE
Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
See the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location
Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!
Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!
READ MORE
Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations
Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!
READ MORE
The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly
Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!
READ MORE
Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow
Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.
READ MORE
Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers
Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!
READ MORE
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year
Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
READ MORE
30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025
The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!
READ MORE
Line up announced for Laugh In The Park
Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh
Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!
READ MORE
Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers
Casting announced for the critically acclaimed production of Fawlty Towers - The Play, coming to Glasgow's King's Theatre in January!
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
A new culinary destination has opened at Tarbet, Loch Lomond
Lomond Leisure Group is delighted to announce the opening of Kirk O'The Lochs, a distinctive restaurant and bar nestled in a beautifully restored historic church in Tarbet, Loch Lomond.
READ MORE
Full cast announced for 2:22 A Ghost Story
The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to announce the full 2025 cast for the UK tour of the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story.
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links