Bourne history groups get busy as town gets ready to celebrate Father of Haute Couture, Charles Worth

Heritage groups are taking a deep dive into the world of fashion as part of a town’s celebrations of a famous former son.

Organisations and groups in and around Bourne are gearing up to mark the bicentenary of the birth of fashion icon Charles Worth.

Charles was born in Wake House in 1825 and grew up in the town before eventually heading for Paris where he became a world-famous designer and the father of off-the-peg haute couture.

Aveland History Group and Bourne Old Town Hall are involved in several projects to celebrate his work, including the creation of a mosaic of his striking ‘peacock dress’ which was made from real peacock feathers.

Ceramic mosaic artist Francesca Jay is leading a series of free community workshops to create the gown.

It is expected to be completed by midsummer in time for the Worth 200 weekend on October 11 and 12 and will then go on permanent display at Wake House.

Alison Carr, from Aveland History Group, said the community response has been ‘overwhelming’.

“It has been truly rewarding to find such immense talent from around this area who have given their time and inspiration to lead these workshops,” she said.

“We look forward to more creativity in the coming months, reflecting the inspiration that Charles Worth's life story generates.”

It is one of three legacy art projects for Worth 200 funded by Bourne Town Council.

The town will also be adorned with large Victorian silhouette figures which will go on display this summer. QR codes will be available to enable the public to find out more.

The final artwork will be a Victorian figure by willow artist Nicki McLean, in a signature Worth shape, which will be displayed near the Red Hall.

Alison thanked Bourne United Charities for the use of the venue to display the works over the celebration weekend.

“We believe it will be a remarkably atmospheric location to bring Charles Worth, Father of Haute Couture, the recognition that he deserves."

The history group is also working with students from Stamford College, Lincoln University, and Paradigm Arts to deliver a fashion weekend.

It is also hosting a series of fashion-led lectures, funded by The Len Pick Trust including the Million Dollar Duchesses dressed by Worth and his impact on fashion and corsetry.

They will take place at Bourne Abbey Church Hall during the national Heritage Open Days on Saturday, September 20, and on Saturday, October 11.

Workshops to come are - embellishments on June 14; embroidery on July 12 and papercraft on September 6.

All are for adults and will take place from 10.30am at the 1 Hub Centre, in Bourne, with tickets available from TicketSource under the Worth 200 section.

A free children’s summer holiday art attack also takes place on July 29 from 10.30am at the same venue.