Join author and historian Anna Buruma for an illustrated talk exploring how Liberty & Co became a name synonymous with Aestheticism and the English Art Nouveau movement, shaping the evolution of artistic dress in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Liberty’s dress department, established in 1884 under the direction of architect and Aesthetic Movement pioneer Edward William Godwin, offered an alternative to the restrictive fashions of the era. At a time when women were rebelling against tight corsets and heavy petticoats, Liberty championed flowing silhouettes, natural dyes, and exquisite handwork. Their signature soft silks, sheer fabrics, and textiles sourced from Asia and the Middle East made Liberty the destination for those seeking individuality and artistic expression.

In this talk, author and keeper of the Liberty’s textile archive Anna Buruma draws on rare archival materials and previously unpublished pattern books to uncover Liberty’s influential role in artistic dress. Discover how their distinctive designs—ranging from Greek and Roman-inspired evening gowns to medieval-style tea dresses—helped redefine fashion and paved the way for Art Nouveau.

Whether you’re passionate about fashion history, design, or cultural movements, this fascinating event offers a unique insight into Liberty’s enduring legacy of innovation and style.