Following a successful exhibition ’For the love of Laura Ashley’ in 2023 in MOMA Machynlleth it was decided to follow with another textile exhibition, ‘The History of Traditional Welsh Costume’.

The Welsh Costume has now become iconic and an important part of our heritage.
It was originally worn by working class women in rural areas in the 18th century and made predominantly of local wool. The early clothing inspired the costumes that followed which developed into the recognised traditional costume of Wales today.
This was partly due to the interest in the 1870s to preserve the Welsh language and culture and to support the declining wool industry. In addition, the growing tourist industry added considerably to the interest in Welsh culture including Welsh costume.

Whereas originally the usual colour was blue, red became more recognised due to its stronger visual impact on merchandise. Welsh costume soon appeared on souvenirs, china, prints and of course hundreds of postcards. Always a prominent feature of these illustrations was obviously the black hat. These hats were worn by women 150 years ago and have become, “as much a part of Welsh culture as rugby and male voice choirs” Michael Freeman

The hats, unique to Wales were made mainly in England; London, Bristol and Sheffield, but a few were made in Llangefni, Anglesey. Surprisingly over 400 of these hats have survived which is an indication of the importance placed on the hats by those who wore them and by those who inherited them.

During this year’s Machynlleth Festival, August 17-24,The Hallstatt Lecture will be given by Michael Freeman arguably the most eminent expert on the history of Welsh costume. Michael has spent a lifetime researching the people and culture of Wales.
He was the curator of the Ceredigion Museum in Aberystwyth for twenty one years and since retiring has worked from The National Library of Wales to compile his extensive website – ‘Early Tourism in Wales / 18th and 19th Century Tourists’.

PLEASE NOTE: The exhibition will be closed on the following dates for a private event
Wednesday 6th August
Wednesday 27th August
Wednesday 3rd September