Haddon Hall's costume exhibition brings Jane Eyre to life again
Film fans and period clothing enthusiasts will be able to relive the romance of Jane Eyre through a special costume exhibition at Haddon Hall.
The striking Derbyshire property is hosting an exhibition until September 2, featuring a selection of costumes from the three major adaptations of Charlotte Bronte's classic Jane Eyre.
Visitors can see three versions of the costumes worn by Jane Eyre and Mr Rochester, as well as a selection of other outfits and accessories in the three adaptations. The productions, including the 1995 film directed by Franco Zefferelli, the BBC 2006 mini-series starring Ruth Wilson and the latest 2011 film directed by Cary Fukunaga and starring Mia Wasikowska, all feature Haddon Hall as Thornfield Hall.
For the first time Jenny Beavan's designs for the 1995 film are on display alongside the 2011 film's costumes by Michael O'Conner and the TV Mini-series' costumes by John Bright and Andrea Galer.
Michael O'Connor, the Oscar-winning costume designer for the 2011 film, has previously exhibited his designs at Haddon, admitting that the Hall had inspired many of the period references. "He said that when he chose the fabrics and designed the costumes he took the architecture of Haddon Hall into account," said Hall administrator Janet Blackburn. "One dress that Jane wears featured a checked pattern that he took from the Long Gallery windows."
While the exhibition is running there is also an opportunity to take a Behind the Scenes Tour at Haddon. Groups can tour the hall from the film's perspective and see which rooms were used in particular scenes.
Janet said: "The exhibition and tour will be fascinating for people who like seeing how the costumes and hall link with the films. The costumes are just lovely to look at and are incredibly detailed."
Entry to Haddon Hall, including the costume exhibition, is £9.50 for adults, £8.50 for concessions, £5.50 for children and £27.50 for a family ticket (two adults and three children). Tickets for the Behind the Scenes Tour are £15 and can be booked by visiting haddonhall.co.uk.
