Craft and Illusion

A backstage look at the hidden world of costume making in Britain

Craft and Illusion documents the generations of knowledge and know-how that underpin Britain’s dynamic and creative costume industry, and celebrates the vital contribution of costume makers to the history and culture of performance. 

The book is divided into two parts. The first is a series of chapters about the histories of costume making in Britain, ranging from eighteenth century Drury Lane to 1980s Liverpool and the costume construction course established at Mabel Fletcher Technical College. A costume making manifesto from the School of Historical Dress introduces the second part, which comprises twenty three contributions from some of Britain’s most skilled and prolific costume makers and researchers. These include detailed accounts of costume making practice and process for classical opera and ballet, reflections on rich and rewarding careers in the sector, and creative meditations on the craft of costume making and its wider significance.

The first major publication on costume making, Craft and Illusion invites readers backstage and into the hidden world of the workroom to witness the artistry and expertise involved in the production of costume for performance.