A stunning pink silk dress worn by British actress Claire Foy during her acclaimed portrayal of a young Queen Elizabeth II in the global Netflix hit The Crown has become the centrepiece of a spectacular new exhibition in Scotland. The exhibition, which opened yesterday, explores the artistry and imagination behind costumes from both stage and screen productions, highlighting Dundee's significant role in the creative industries.
From Hollywood Royalty to Dundee Display
Claire Foy achieved Hollywood royalty status after winning two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her delicately restrained performance as the young monarch in the historical drama. Organisers of the exhibition, entitled 'Curtain Call: Costumes from Stage and Screen', successfully secured a loan of one of her iconic costumes from the series. The specific outfit is a pink silk dress featured in the second series episode titled Marionettes.
A Scene of Monarchical Tension
In that memorable scene, Foy's Queen Elizabeth wears the dress while preparing with the Queen Mother, portrayed by Victoria Hamilton, to welcome the public to the first-ever Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Far from thrilled about the prospect, the Queen Mother voices her concerns about the monarchy's diminishing authority, lamenting the loss of absolutism and divine rights. She famously declares: 'The history of the monarchy in this country is a one-way street of humiliation, sacrifices and concessions in order to survive.'
A Celebration of Costume Design Artistry
The exhibition, hosted at The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum, runs for nine months until November 15, 2026, and is free to visit. It aims to celebrate the city's role as a birthplace and inspiration for creative talent, engaging visitors of all ages and sparking interest in creative careers among young people in Dundee. A museum spokesperson emphasised that the exhibition is more than a visual spectacle; it weaves together local talent and international collaborations to underline how this Scottish city has left an indelible mark on costume design worldwide.
Star-Studded Collection of Iconic Costumes
Foy's dress from The Crown sits alongside an impressive array of other acclaimed costumes from notable productions. Visitors can expect to see:
- The crimson dress worn by Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza in the successful BBC drama Poldark.
- A classic gown worn by Hollywood icon Meryl Streep in the 2015 historical movie Suffragette, where she starred as women's rights campaigner Emmeline Pankhurst.
- Chris Pine's spectacular Robert the Bruce cape from the 2018 epic Outlaw King, specially flown over from Hollywood for the exhibition.
- Additional items including Claire Danes' dress from The Essex Serpent, costumes from the Royal Shakespeare Company's Othello featuring Ben Kingsley and Niamh Cusack, Helen Alderson's wedding dress from All Creatures Great and Small, and Blackbeard's pirate costume from Blackbeard and Horrible Histories.
The Crown's Extensive Costume Requirements
For her role as Queen Elizabeth II, Claire Foy required approximately sixty different outfits, ranging from her stunning Coronation dress to her casual 'Balmoral uniform' of wellies, tweeds, and a headscarf. She starred alongside former Doctor Who actor Matt Smith, who portrayed her husband, Prince Philip. Filming for the series took place in various Scottish locations, including around Cruden Bay and the Queen's north-east residence, Balmoral. Many of the country's landmarks appeared in the show, such as Slains Castle and Cruden Bay beach, with Ardverikie Castle in the Highlands standing in for the exterior, estate, and some interiors of Balmoral Castle.
Showcasing Dundee's Creative Talent
The exhibition prominently features the work of renowned costume designers with connections to Dundee, including Jane Petrie, Ros Little, and Alex Reid, among other creatives who have collaborated with Dundee REP and Scottish Dance Theatre. By highlighting these collaborations, Curtain Call not only displays iconic costumes but also reinforces Dundee's influential position in the global creative landscape, celebrating the artistry, imagination, and global impact of costume designers associated with the city.
