A NEW exhibition at a county museum explores how World War One changed our sense of style.

The ‘Fashioning Peace: Life and Liberty after the Great War’ exhibition opened at the Worcestershire County Museum on Saturday.

Visitors are able to tour the museum’s costume store and join in with craft activities for children, such as making flapper headdresses and bow-ties.

The exhibition is part of the lottery-funded Worcestershire World War One Hundred programme, a four-year schedule of events commemorating the county’s role in the conflict.

Rachel Robinson, manager of the Worcestershire County Museum, said: “Throughout history, clothing has often reflected a person’s social and economic status and post-war fashion reflected a new and liberated mood.

“This exhibition is about surviving and thriving after the Great War and is reflected in the functionality and fun of the costumes on display today.

“We are delighted to be able to showcase a number of costumes from our outstanding collection and look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy this new exhibition.”

The museum has more than 2,000 items reflecting changing fashions in its Tickenhill collection.

The exhibition highlights how women’s clothing became less restrictive after the war, in part due to the progress of feminism.

One of the major social victories of the era was women winning the right to vote in 1918, following their efforts during World War One.

The museum said that women’s clothing underwent a ‘revolution’ in the 1920s, when the typical dress had hems at knee level.

The exhibition’s curator will host an introduction event on March 21, from 1pm to 2pm.

A talk about the collection, including a tour of the costume store, is due to take place on May 16, between 1pm and 2pm.

If you want to attend the talk you can ring 01299 250416.

The Worcestershire County Museum is based in Hartlebury Castle, near Worcester, which was the home of the Bishops of Worcester for a thousand years.

The castle is open Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 5pm and from 11am to 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

For more details go on www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk