A major exhibition celebrating the life and work of Vivienne Westwood has opened at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, showcasing over 40 striking ensembles from the private collection of Peter Smithson. The event, running from 28 March to 6 September, not only highlights Westwood’s daring designs but also reflects the profound impact she has had on contemporary fashion.
A Tribute from a Dedicated Collector
Peter Smithson, a chemistry teacher and lifelong aficionado of Westwood’s work, has devoted three decades to amassing a remarkable collection that includes corsets from Japan and distinctive fur-trimmed knickers. His wife, Belise, has embraced his passion, understanding that these pieces are integral to his identity. “She gets it. She knows it is part and parcel of who I am,” Smithson remarked during a preview of the exhibition.
The exhibition is a vibrant tapestry of Westwood’s creations, featuring everything from tartan tweed and faux-fur coats to oversized velvet crowns and mirrored tights. Smithson acknowledges that her work is not for everyone, but he emphasises its essence: “It’s about fun. She comes up with an idea, and it’s about producing something that she enjoys.”
A Journey from Admiration to Inspiration
Smithson’s journey began in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. As a young boy, he was captivated by fashion, often gazing out of the car window at those with unique styles. At just ten years old, he watched Westwood on television during an interview with Sue Lawley on “Wogan,” bewildered by the laughter that followed her fashion showcase. “I couldn’t understand why they were lampooning her. I was looking at the models thinking they were just fantastic looks,” he said.
His defining moment came when he spotted a man in a metropolitan tartan suit outside a shop bearing Westwood’s name in Manchester. The joy and confidence radiating from the man sparked a realisation in Smithson: “At that moment, I thought, it’s Westwood. She’s the one I’ve been admiring all along.”
Westwood’s Fearless Creativity
The exhibition, entitled “Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary,” is a testament to Westwood’s unparalleled influence in the fashion industry. Vicky Sturrs, the director of programmes and collections at the Bowes Museum, describes Westwood as “one of the most daring British designers in British history.” Despite her roots in Derbyshire, Westwood’s creative spirit has resonated with audiences far beyond her northern origins.
Rachel Whitworth, the museum’s fashion and textiles curator, noted that Westwood’s revolutionary designs challenged traditional notions of construction and style. “She broke the rules of design, experimenting fearlessly with technique, proportion, and historical reference,” Whitworth explained. This fearless experimentation is what sets Westwood apart, allowing her to draw inspiration from the past while remaining conscious of the present and future.
A Personal Connection to Fashion
Over the years, Smithson has had the privilege of meeting Westwood on several occasions, describing her as welcoming and down to earth. “She absolutely despised the global superstardom that surrounded her,” he reflected, suggesting that her humility was as remarkable as her talent. As a father of two boys aged six and nine, Smithson hopes to inspire the next generation of designers through this exhibition. His nine-year-old, already displaying a keen eye for fashion, may well carry forward the legacy of Westwood’s boldness.
Dressed in a vintage Westwood denim jacket that he associates with his youth in Manchester, Smithson often faces questions about his fascination with the designer. “The answer is that I just felt a connection to her and her clothes from a very early age,” he shared. The exuberance of Westwood’s designs, he says, is something he has always yearned to experience.
Why it Matters
The “Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary” exhibition is not merely a showcase of fashion; it is a celebration of a legacy that challenges societal norms and inspires individuality. Westwood’s fearless approach to design and her ability to provoke thought through fashion resonate deeply in today’s world, where self-expression is more vital than ever. As audiences engage with her work, they are invited to explore not just the aesthetic but the profound cultural commentary woven into her designs, ensuring that her revolutionary spirit continues to inspire and ignite creativity for generations to come.
