FLAMBOYANT fashions embraced by European costumes dating back 600 years are the inspiration for a new exhibition on display now at the Museum of Dartmoor Life. Serena Partridge?s passion for European costume has led her to make accessories and garments centering on the outlandish. Her particular interest is for the flamboyant fashions paraded by the wealthy elite, such as 16th century Venetian platforms rising to heights of 20 inches or superfluous coiffures supported by Marie Antoinette. Although her works contain strong references to the past. Serena is not concerned with producing historically accurate replicas. In her work, scale and proportion are distorted to create curios that send up the frivolity and futility of life at the time. The exhibition runs in the upstairs gallery at the Museum of Dartmoor Life from Monday, July 11 to Friday, August 5. The touring exhibition is supported by Beaford Arts. The next exhibition is sure to prove hugely popular, ? photographer Richard Austin will be staging his Animal Magic exhibition. His memorable wildlife shots from around the South West will be in the gallery from Monday, August 8. Normal museum admission charges apply.
