Fashion exhibition: Blenheim Palace UK announces Icons of British Fashion opening in March 2024

Blenheim Palace* in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, has announced the line-up of world-caliber designers, fashion houses, and labels that will feature in its biggest exhibition to date, Icons of British Fashion, running from 23rd March until 30th June 2024.

The exhibition will showcase the creative works of  an array of legendary designer names from the past through to the present day, featuring bespoke designs and loans from a Who’s Who of the fashion world emcpassing apparel,  accessories, archival materials, drawings, photography and patterns, all to be displayed amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s own priceless collections.

Confirmed names to be featured in Icons of British Fashion** will include: Barbour; Bruce Oldfield; Jean Muir; Lulu Guinness; Stella McCartney; Stephen Jones Millinery for Christian Dior; Temperley London; Terry de Havilland; Turnbull & Asser; Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes.

Additionally, Blenheim Palace will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Winston Churchill, the renowned British statesman and Prime Minister. Churchill was born at Blenheim in 1874, and the palace has since been closely associated with his legacy.

Blenheim Palace is one of the largest and most famous houses in the country and holds significant historical and architectural importance. 

Kate Ballenger, Keeper of Palace and Collections said: “We are incredibly excited to finally unveil what’s been years in the making; this exhibition will give visitors an insight into the fascinating world of British fashion in such a unique setting. 

“Icons of British Fashion is the first of its kind at Blenheim Palace, and to be able to partner with some of the most widely celebrated designers and brands in the world to bring together a collection of garments, accessories and artefacts is something we’re immensely proud of.”

The fashion exhibition will be the latest spectacle at Blenheim Palace following the Royal Connections, Crowns and Coronets in summer 2023 and contemporary art exhibitions by notable artists Ai Weiwei and Maurizio Cattelan Maurizio Cattelan, to name but a few.

Blenheim Palace, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, is surrounded by extensive parkland and formal gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Capability Brown.  The park includes a lake, wooded areas, and various monuments and follies.

*Blenheim Palace was built in the 18th century, between 1705 and 1722.  It was commissioned by Queen Anne as a gift to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his military victories, particularly the Battle of Blenheim in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession.

The palace was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, an accomplished architect, and it is considered a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture. The design of the palace is notable for its grandeur, symmetry, and the impressive Great Hall.

The palace has been the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough since its completion.

Blenheim Palace, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, is surrounded by extensive parkland and formal gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Capability Brown.  The park includes a lake, wooded areas, and various monuments and follies.

**Admission to the Icons of British Fashion exhibition in 2024 will be free with any valid Blenheim Palace ticket including Palace, Park and Gardens, Park and Gardens, Annual Pass or a Privilege Pass.

All images courtesy of Blenheim Palace