The Face of Fashion

Portrait miniatures were popular in Europe from the early 17th-century until around the 1850s, depicting their sitters in the silks, brocades and lace that adorned the garments of the day. Often ornate and gem-like, many were designed to be worn on the body – themselves becoming fashion accessories.

This display, featuring a selection of exquisite examples from two private collections on long-term loan to the Barber, explores the connections between portraiture and fashion.

With examples by masters of the genre such as Hilliard, Oliver and Cosway, it also features works on paper by artists including Ingres and Beardsley that portray fine costume – and items of lace from Lady Barber’s collection.