BOOK: The Costume House: The Inside Story of Cosprop

Limited Offer: Exhibition entry included with the first 20 books pre-ordered* 

Opening on Friday 18 July 2026 at Dovecot Studios, the stunning Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop exhibition celebrates sixty years of Cosprop’s creativity and an opportunity to see behind the scenes of the celebrated costume house.

Founded by Oscar and BAFTA-winning costume designer John Bright in 1965, legendary London based Cosprop specialises in period costume for film, television and theatre. Through his work as a costume designer, a costumier, maker, advisor, collector and historian, Bright’s intelligence and eye for detail is in thousands of film, television and stage productions.

This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition features many costumes never seen in public before. Helena Bonham Carter in A Room with a View, Meryl Streep in Out of Africa, Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey, Colin Firth as Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, and Leslie Manville in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Cosprop is synonymous with dressing iconic characters in award-winning films and television.

Through stunning costumes, accessories and sketches, the visitor will learn the design and making process from script-to screen. Leading costume designers and actors will share their thoughts on favourite costumes, showing how Cosprop brought these magical moments to life.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a beautiful, richly illustrated book celebrating sixty years of Cosprop, written by former V&A film curator Keith Lodwick, and with a foreword by Dame Judi Dench. 

Publisher: Yale University Press
ISBN: 9781399994002
Number of pages: 240
Dimensions: 273 x 379 mm
Language: English

Terms and conditions:

*Offer includes free exhibition entry for one attendee. A copy of first 20 books pre-ordered online will be supplied with a ticket which may be redeemed at Dovecot Studios Front Desk. 

Pre-booking of a specific ticket date is not essential. Exhibition tickets may be used between Monday to Saturday, 10.00am - 4.00pm from 20th July 2026 - 9th January 2027. 

1.    Customers will be notified once pre-ordered stock is available for collection or shipment.

2.    This ticket is valid for a single entry to the exhibition.

3.    This ticket is not valid for the opening weekend of the exhibition (Friday 17 July and Saturday 18 July).

4.    This ticket is valid only for the date listed. We kindly ask that you plan your visit accordingly.

5.    The ticket is non-transferable and cannot be resold.

6.    This ticket is valid for exhibition entry only and can’t be used for any special events, talks or tours.

7.    While we strive to accommodate all visitors, please note that entry may be subject to capacity limitations.

Please note that the venue is closed on Sundays.