Romance and Reality Exhibition

Featuring the work of BAFTA and EMMY award winning designer Andrea Galer, the exhibition will highlight the making of the lead costumes from BBC film Miss Austen Regrets the latest biography of Jane Austen's life.

It is not however a simple exhibition of costumes - there is an important ethical dimension. All of the lace used in the costumes comes from the lace makers of Galle, Sri Lanka - women who were, and still are, victims of the 2004 tsunami.

Andrea Galer is the founder of 'Power of Hands Foundation' which aims to keep traditional lace making skills alive by providing these women with a place to make their lace and crucially providing a route to market for their products.

Andrea Galer says, "The aim is to generate income that will enable the women not just to survive but to put a little back into the business as well, enough to buy themselves stools to sit on, electric lights to work under, or glasses to help them with close-up work. It's my hope that, with help from the entertainment and fashion world, we can prevent a beautiful, traditional handicraft from disappearing for ever."

The exhibition will appeal to anyone with an interest in costume, film, crafts, literature, history and of course Jane Austen.

"Our current exhibition space is being transformed by Andrea and her team. Everyone here is really excited. It's great that we can bring something like this to our visitors which is of genuine interest yet which still has a profound message," said Centre Manager Jackie Herring.

Venue

The Jane Austen Centre, Central Bath

Dates

1 Nov 2008 - 31 Dec 2008