A British Museum Is Searching for a Rare 1940s Housecoat From a Fashion Brand That Dressed the Queen—and, on Special Occasions, Ordinary Women Too
Patterned with a map of the British Isles, the housecoat was an early design by the pioneering brand Horrockses, which turned cotton cloth into whimsical women's wear after World War II
In the 1940s and '50s, Horrockses Fashions, a popular clothing brand based in Preston, England, captivated stylish British women with its vibrant, patterned dresses. The brand's success stemmed from its high-quality production methods and avant-garde designs, which attracted both royalty and ordinary women. Queen Elizabeth II was a notable admirer, receiving first pick of Horrockses' collections each year.
In 1946, the brand debuted a housecoat featuring a map of the British Isles. Today, only two examples of this unique garment remain: a burgundy version at the Imperial War Museum in London and a blue version believed to be privately owned. The Harris Museum in Preston is currently organizing an exhibition, "Everyday Glamour: Horrockses Fashions from Royalty to Ready to Wear," which aims to include the map-print fabric.
The museum is actively seeking information about the housecoat and any potential owners, emphasizing the garment's significance as a rare design from a beloved brand that touched the lives of many women during its heyday.
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