Why the Devonshire Collection Matters for Students and Professionals
The 40,000‑piece Devonshire Collection is more than a wardrobe; it is a chronicle of social change, textile technology, and stylistic evolution spanning three centuries. For fashion students, designers, curators, and historians, the collection provides a hands‑on archive that can spark curriculum, research projects, and career opportunities. By relocating the collection to Falmouth’s facilities, the university gives its community access to rare garments in a climate‑controlled environment, paired with the latest conservation techniques.
From Private Treasures to University‑Hosted Heritage
The Foundations of the Collection
Founded in 1967 by theatre enthusiasts Peter Clapham, Paula Morel, and Annette Ingold, the Devonshire Collection grew out of a shared passion for costume authenticity. Over time, the trio merged their individual holdings to create one of the United Kingdom’s largest privately owned textile archives, first displayed in a Grade‑I listed house on Totnes High Street.
Transition to Institutional Custodianship
When the museum lease ended earlier this year, a charitable trust was formed to ensure the collection’s long‑term preservation. Falmouth University was chosen because of its technical expertise, heritage focus, and commitment to integrating digital innovation with traditional conservation. The trust’s trustees highlighted the university’s “specialist conservation skills” and its ability to “bring the collection to life for new audiences.” The partnership is set to last five years, signalling a stable future for the garments.
Modernizing Heritage: Digital Scanning and Immersive Experiences
High‑Resolution 3D Documentation
Scans of 1920s sequined dresses required a rare Metis scanner, one of only two in Europe. Partnering with Logical Choice and the Centre for Blended Realities, Falmouth captured each fiber, stitch, and texture in unprecedented detail. These assets now feed a game engine, allowing visitors to explore the garments virtually or incorporate them into digital fashion shows.
Blended Reality Exhibitions
The collection’s first exhibition showcases the digital reconstruction of key pieces and demonstrates how technology can breathe new life into heritage. Students from the Games Academy, Costume Design, and Fashion & Textiles programmes collaborate to create interactive displays, blending physical artifacts with augmented reality overlays that explain historical context, garment construction, and period fashion trends.
The Impact on Falmouth’s Curriculum and Student Experience
Integrating Conservation into the Classroom
Course leaders like Julie Ripley emphasize that the partnership enriches Falmouth’s mission to “use the legacy of our 120 years of art school heritage while harnessing the possibilities of creativity and technology.” Students gain first‑hand experience with conservation protocols, climate control systems, and restoration techniques—skills that are highly transferable to the creative industries.
Research Opportunities and Industry Collaboration
Academic departments are structuring research proposals around the archives, exploring topics such as textile durability, period costume history, and user experience with virtual heritage. Local businesses, from Traditional Crafts to Modern Manufacturing, are invited to partner on projects, fostering a creative ecosystem that benefits students, faculty, and the wider community.
How to Leverage the Collection in Your Professional Journey
Graduate Projects and Theses
Future graduates can utilize the collection for dissertation topics—documenting garment preservation, crafting period costumes for media productions, or developing interactive learning modules for schools. The hands‑on access to museum‑grade materials offers a resource that is rarely available at other institutions.
Networking and Mentorship
Events such as the inaugural exhibition, faculty lectures, and industry workshops provide networking opportunities with curators, conservators, and seasoned designers. Mentorship programmes can pair students with professionals developing virtual museums or digitising heritage assets.
Future Directions: Expanding Public Engagement
While the current setup focuses on research and education, plans are underway to develop an online portal that hosts virtual tours, downloadable pattern files, and educational modules for teachers. This pathway aligns with the university’s strategic goal to broaden access to its unique resources, potentially attracting international scholars and digital heritage startups.
Take Action: Engage with the Devonshire Collection Today
Whether you are a student looking to deepen your expertise, a designer seeking inspiration, or an industry stakeholder interested in heritage preservation, the Devonshire Collection offers a wealth of resources. Explore Falmouth’s Fashion & Textiles programmes to learn how curriculum connects with real‑world assets, or schedule a free consultation with the collection’s curatorial team to discuss collaborative research possibilities.
Discover how Falmouth University’s fusion of heritage and technology can elevate your creative practice. Submit your application today to join a community that values tradition while embracing the future.
Join the conversation: share your thoughts or tag a colleague who would benefit from this historic partnership.
For more information about the collection or to request a virtual tour, visit the university’s news page.
