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| Some of the students who will be making the film. |
Lottery grant to
uncover history of London’s iconic Savile Row
The lives and skills of the people who helped to shape
Savile Row’s world-renowned name are the focus of a fashion heritage project
awarded £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
The iconic home of bespoke menswear has dressed everyone
from actors and foreign dignitaries to our own Royal family and its showcase at
London Collections: Men this week
came with the reminder of the fact that ‘London is the world capital of
masculine style, and has been for over two centuries’.
But what of the tailors, seamstresses and other workers in
the industry whose hard work and skill has ensured Savile Row is such an
important part of the fashion world?
Arts and educational charity digital:works has teamed up
with fashion students and volunteers to explore their story and provide a
‘behind the scenes’ insight into the famous street.
Research, interviews and footage of people showcasing their
incredible skills at work will be used to create a documentary film and website
which will be shown at a major launch event and colleges and venues across the
country.
A guided tour of Savile Row led by a tailor who has worked
in the industry since his apprenticeship, will give the students the chance to
interview a number of people who work in, or are retired from, the trade
including a master tailor, one of the first female tailors and a man who worked
in family sweatshops in Soho.
Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said: “In
the week that sees men’s fashion take centre stage in London, we’re delighted
to announce our support for a project which will provide an insight into a
fascinating part of our city’s heritage. From the training
tailors undertook and the materials that were used, to the changes in processes
and motivations of those in the industry, Tailored Stories will tell the
sartorial and personal stories of Savile Row and its enduring legacy.”
The project will also
include a visit to the Merchant Taylor Company, which has historic links
with the trade as a livery company. The students will explore the regulations, extensive training
and apprenticeships system which ensure the high level of skill and
quality for which Savile Row is known.
The students will also have access to the Museum of London’s
rarely seen collection of clothing and other items relating to the street and
will be working closely with Curator of Fashion & Decorative Arts Tim Long
who will be on
hand to explain the production processes and their fashion heritage
significance. The Guildhall’s collection of photographs, indentures and
sketches will also be explored.
Nina Vella, one of the students involved, said: “It’ll be
interesting to see the change of bespoke tailored clothing over the centuries
and by hearing from people who have experienced it first hand for decades.”
Arianwen Shoring, Lecturer at Kensington & Chelsea
College which has also provided funding for the project, said: “This is a great
project to delve into the history and heritage of Savile Row. It is a great
opportunity for the students to understand the industry and the growing
popularity of menswear and its association with London through the Mens
Collection.”
The full interviews will be archived at the Guildhall
Library and the Bishopsgate Institute.
Notes to editors
About digital:works
digital:works is an arts and educational charity that works
with communities, providing training and creative assistance to produce arts
and media projects.
About the Heritage
Lottery Fund
From the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks
and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife,
we use National Lottery players' money to help people across the UK explore,
enjoy and protect the heritage they care about. www.hlf.org.uk.
Further information
