From ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Downton Abbey’—Iconic Costumes Go on View in Scotland

Why It Matters

By making rare film wardrobes publicly accessible, the exhibition deepens appreciation for costume design’s role in storytelling and offers industry professionals a tangible resource for future productions. It also positions Edinburgh as a cultural hub, attracting tourism and nurturing the next generation of designers.

Key Takeaways

• Over 8,000 costumes displayed across 80 outfits.
• Exhibition moves from London to Edinburgh, then US tour.
• Highlights shift from film to digital preserving costume detail.
• Features designs by John Bright, Jenny Beavan, Penny Rose.
• Engages students through workshops at Dovecot Studios.

Pulse Analysis

The Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh will host ‘Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop’ from mid‑July 2026 to early January 2027, presenting more than 80 garments drawn from a trove of over 8,000 dresses, shoes and accessories amassed by Oscar‑winning designer John Bright. Visitors will encounter iconic pieces from blockbusters such as *Game of Thrones*, *Pirates of the Caribbean* and period dramas like *Downton Abbey*, displayed alongside original sketches, fabric swatches and quotations from stars who wore them. By relocating the show from London’s Fashion and Textile Museum, the curators give Scotland a high‑profile platform for fashion heritage.

The exhibition underscores a pivotal shift in film production: as directors abandon 35 mm film for digital cameras, the minute detail captured on screen translates into a new demand for meticulously documented costumes. Cosprop’s archive, enriched by collaborators like Jenny Beavan and Penny Rose, provides designers with precise references for texture, construction and historical accuracy. Dovecot Studios is also leveraging the show to launch workshops and mentorships for costume‑design students, turning the public display into a hands‑on learning laboratory that bridges academic study with industry practice.

Beyond artistic merit, ‘Costume Couture’ is a catalyst for cultural tourism and economic activity in Edinburgh, drawing film enthusiasts, fashion scholars and casual visitors alike. The exhibition’s planned U.S. tour will extend its reach, showcasing British costume craftsmanship to a transatlantic audience and reinforcing the global market for heritage exhibitions. As museums worldwide increasingly feature cinematic wardrobes, Cosprop’s model demonstrates how private collections can partner with public institutions to preserve intangible cultural assets while generating revenue and brand visibility for both parties.