Dress and Textiles

Art and Design Collection

This collection is predominantly British, dating from the 18th century to the present day. It also includes some international material dating back to the 16th century, from Europe, South Asia and the Middle East. Textiles demonstrate a range of different techniques including printing, embroidery, weaving and lace-making, from Britain and around the world. The dress collection is formed largely from the 1930s, through donations by famous Birmingham individuals or families.

Includes:

  • an extensive collection of Indian and Middle Eastern textiles
  • textiles associated with or made by William and May Morris. These include six tapestry panels from the ‘Holy Grail’ series, which are regarded as one of William Morris’ greatest achievements and the most significant of all British tapestry schemes.

Please be aware that objects from our collections are not always on public display. 
If you are hoping to view a specific object or collection, please check the ‘Highlights' or 'What to See’ pages on our venue websites for current display information for that venue. Alternatively, feel free to contact us before your visit.

Image gallery

  • Robe-type garment, wrap over and button fastening at the front, made of pieces of scrap fabric
  • Long dress in blue patterned fabric, with long sleeves and a shawl collar, button fastenings at the front
  • Bright pink embroidered outfit in three parts - a long-sleeved tunic, trousers and scarf
  • Mid-length dress made with shiny blue fabric, with short sleeves, a shawl collar and a large bow at the waist on the front in the same material
  • Square embroidered bed cover, with a poetic quote around the edges, a rainbow at each corner, a circle pattern in the middle with a sun at its centre, divided into 8 panels with animals of the day and night and flower and plant motifs
  • Detailed tapestry panel showing several people sitting at a table, looking at a woman holding a horse beckoning to them
  • Long, loose, draped dress with long sleeves in a plain light fabric
  • Two piece suit of gold-embroidered, high collared navy blue jacket with tails and light-coloured three-quarter length breeches
  • Heavily-embroidered bed cover with patterns taken from nature of plants and animals
  • Tapestry with scroll across the top, several shields of different designs hanging on trees with deer grazing in between
  • Tapestry of a large wooden ship with sails anchored by a beach
  • Rectangular bed cover embroidered with a flower and leaf pattern
  • Rectangular cloth panel embroidered with a tulip-flower pattern
  • Long, striped 19th century dress with long sleeves, a full skirt and fitted waist
  • Long rectangular tapestry panel depicting 3 knights and 6 angels. 1 knight kneels in front of an altar, 3 angels are behind it with their hands pressed together
  • Tapestry panel depicting 2 knights on horseback looking at an angel in a doorway
  • Tapestry panel depicting several knights on horseback receiving hand weapons and armour from women wearing long robes