Did you know that 'madder' is a type of red dye made from the root of a plant?  Or that another red dye, cochineal, is made from crushed insects?

People have worn red since ancient times and it has developed many different meanings and significance.  For some cultures it is the colour for celebration, for some it spells danger, and in Lancashire it is the colour of our county symbol – the red rose.

Historically, red has been worn to indicate official status, but it has also been thought to have protective and even healing qualities. In modern times, red is seen as a glamorous colour that draws attention to the wearer. In some cultures red is worn to mark a very special celebration like a wedding. Red is also the colour of romance and passion. This exhibition looks at a variety of red clothing, from hunting jackets to party frocks, and tells the stories behind them.


The Harris Museum has a considerable costume and textile collection and this is an excellent opportunity for visitors to see a real range of items from Victorian petticoats to a pair of Vivienne Westwood’s towering 1990s shoes, and to find out more about how colour has been used as a symbol in dress over the centuries.
 


One last thing. Never worry about being chased by a bull because you are wearing red -  they are colour blind!

 

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