The Victorians produced some of the most exciting, bizarre and ridiculous fashions ever invented. Join fashion historian and former V&A curator Lucy Johnson and Brontë PhD student Eleanor Houghton as they explore Victorian fashion through the eyes of Charlotte Brontë. Johnson will speak on how the male and female silhouette was transformed during Charlotte Brontë’s lifetime, from enormous crinolines in exotic colours to delicate romantic gowns. Houghton will focus on Brontë’s surviving gowns – in particular the cut, construction, production and subsequent ownership of the famous ‘Thackeray’ dress, currently exhibited in the exhibition Charlotte Brontë at the Soane. Due to capacity, guests have the opportunity to see the exhibition and the 'Thackery' dress either before the talk at 6:30pm or after the talk at 8pm. When selecting tickets, please choose your preferred option. The lecture is 7:00pm-8:00pm.