Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter, Devon UK

A history of exaggerated shapes in women’s fashionable dress. This display explains the many extraordinary garments worn by women in the past to accentuate their figure. Focusing on 18th and 19th century dress, there is information about cork rumps, bustles and hoops. A range of replica foundation garments are provided for you to try on. Find out how dress and padding were used to draw attention to the hips and behind to achieve that all-important look of a tiny waist. The display is accompanied by items from Lawrence House Museum’s collection.

For more information visit www.lawrencehousemuseum.org.uk, email curator@lawrencehousemuseum.org.uk, or call 01566 773277