Costumes of the ‘Stars’ on Display for limited time at Wales’ finest Georgian home

Plas Llanelly House is privileged to be hosting in association with Cosprop a display of costumes selected from the TV series Mr Selfridge and the 2014 film based on the cult series – Dad’s Army. Building on the success of last year’s event, the costume exhibition will run for four weeks from October 13th until November 12th, with viewing sessions held five times daily, seven days a week, and hopes to bring new visitors to both Llanelli and Carmarthenshire.

These wonderfully crafted costumes will be presented within the beautiful Georgian and Victorian backdrop of Llanelly House. Visitors are invited to explore the ground and first floors of the building, examine closely the costumes and gain insight into how the award winning costume designers chose to reflect the changing times and character development through the clothes that they wore. Visitors will also get a taste of the history of Llanelli and of this beautifully restored early Georgian house.

Based on the 2007 biography Shopping, Seduction and Mr Selfridge by Lindy Woodhead. The TV series centres on the flamboyant and visionary American founder of Selfridges. The drinking, gambling and womanising Mr Harry Selfridge. However, it is not perfectly historically accurate; he was always completely faithful to his wife and only had mistresses after she passed away. Neither did he have a beard!

The costumes from the 2014 film – Dad’s Army of course need no introduction as they are so familiar to us through the much loved TV series from the 1960’s/70’s. On display are costumes worn by:  Sarg. Wilson (played by Bill Nighy), Mrs Mainwaring (played by Felicity Montagu), Capt. Mainwaring (played by Toby Jones). The main focus of the storyline however is a new character called Rose Winters (played by Catherine Zeta Jones).

Indeed the story itself is actually based on her costumes. She stands out and is exposed as being a spy because of the style of the clothes she is wearing. The locals at Walmington on Sea are impressed by her style, one lady notices her red outfit and says ‘look at the colour and the cut. Chanel I think’. This was not what ladies in 1940’s Britain were used to seeing.

The exhibition would not have been possible without the support of sponsors which include: Parker Plant Hire, Castell Howell and Davies Craddock.

Booking:

Due to the historic nature of the house the number of visitors is restricted at any one time.  Our booking slots are already filling up, so please book early to avoid disappointment. *For the Palm Court Tea Package pre-booking is essential. Subject to availability. Please call: 01554 772857 and visit our website:www.llanelly-house.org.uk