9:39am Thursday 11th March 2010
A fox scavenges among the bins of an urban alleyway, a kingfisher perches on the bank of a river, while a badger picks its way along the forest floor.
These very British scenes of wildlife help make up Worn to be Wild, an exhibition which is now taking place at Finchley’s artsdepot.
However, the photos are not of real animals, but of humans – models decked in the creations of costume maker and creative textile artist Kate Plumtree.
Kate’s interest in both wildlife and the history of fashion has led her to create 17 costumes, each inspired by a different bird or mammal, as well as a different period in fashion. Therefore, you can expect to see a Tudor badger in the same room as a golden eagle that is inspired by 1930s eveningwear.
Each costume is displayed, along with fabric samples and Kate’s sketchbooks, which reveal the design and construction process, step by step. There are also location photographs, showing the “animal” in its natural habitat.
“It appeals to lovers of historical fashion and nature lovers,” says Kate. “I was originally from London and moved out to the countryside. I live in the Cotswolds and it’s so much part of what I see every day.”
Kate has made costumes for advertising, film and television, as well as for theatre with the English and Welsh national operas, the Royal Shakespeare Company and West End shows including The Lion King and Grease.
Worn to be Wild began as eight costumes based on birds, which first showed at the Museum of Oxfordshire, and it grew from there to include mammals. Kate says she is now looking to create wearable evening wear from these costumes.
“My aim is to raise the profile of costume as an art form,” she says. “To be appreciated for what it is.”
Worn to be Wild is on until April 18 at artsdepot, Nether Street, Finchley. Details: 020 8369 5454, www.artsdepot.co.uk
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