Discover the elegance of Regency dress at first 2025 Royston Pike Lecture of the season

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of Regency fashion with the first talk of the spring Royston Pike lecture series. 

We are delighted to welcome Grace Evans, Keeper of Costume at Chertsey Museum on Wednesday 12 February at 7:30pm at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames KT12 2PF.

Grace will invite you to explore the fascinating era of Regency dress, through illustrations and photographs of costumes from the Olive Matthews Collections Trust. Housed at Chertsey Museum, this important collection was gathered over 40 years by Olive Matthews, who began her journey as a collector at the young age of 12.

The highlight of Grace's talk will be a stunning Spencer jacket from around 1815. This intricate and stylish piece, once owned by a wealthy individual, is not only a fine example of the exquisite tailoring of the time but also reflects the historical context of its creation. The year 1815 marked the Battle of Waterloo and the end of the Napoleonic Wars, a period of significant political upheaval that influenced fashion trends.

Grace will explore the origins of the Spencer jacket, tracing its roots back to the 1790s and its namesake, George, 2nd Earl Spencer, a Whig politician, connoisseur and collector of books. 

She will draw connections between this intricate garment and the military dress jackets of the era, offering a unique perspective on how historical events have shaped fashion over time.

About Grace Evans

As a curator, lecturer, and author, Grace Evans has a wealth of knowledge and passion about costume. She has been curating the Olive Matthews Collection at Chertsey Museum since 2001, highlighting and interpreting its national importance through exhibitions, talks, and publications. Her published works include "Fashion in Focus," "Treasures from the Olive Matthews Collection," and "Titanic Style: Dress and Fashion on the Voyage."

Don't miss this opportunity to gain insight into Regency fashion and its historical significance. Tickets for this talk are available through the Riverhouse Barn box office at £4 per person or £10 for a season ticket covering all three lectures in the spring series.

Read more information about the full Royston Pike programme.