Yorkshire Fashion Archive cameos on the BBC

The Yorkshire Fashion Archive hit the screens of households across Yorkshire last week as Leeds writer, Kay Mellor explored their collection in BBC documentary.

Kay Mellor explored their collection in BBC documentary, “Living in ’66 – Suits, Boots and Northern Roots.”

Housed within the School of Design, the archive was approached by the programme, who wanted to tell the story of 1966 in Yorkshire. Focusing especially on fashion at the time, they turned to the Yorkshire Fashion Archive to help bring this story to life.

With the collection being built up of donated clothing which was produced, purchased and worn by people in Yorkshire throughout the 20th century, items are often accompanied by photos and background stories, helping to tell the story of the people who wore them.

In the show Kay spoke to Vivienne and Miriam, two donors to the archive about their recollections of that particular year and to help build a picture of the lives of young women at the time through the clothes they were wearing.

Yorkshire Fashion Archive, BBC, Living in 66: Suits, Boots and Northern Roots, Kay Mellor, University of Leeds, Leeds, School of Design
Speaking during the documentary, Kay says: “It‘s been such a pleasure to hear everyone’s unique recollections of what was, for us, a very good year.

“I’ve loved reliving the clothes, hearing the music all over again, learning of how people’s lives were changing, and even totally transforming in ‘66.”

Living in ’66 – Suits, Boots and Northern Roots is still available on BBC iplayer if you didn’t manage to catch it first time round.