Fashion students step into history with work experience project for Tamworth Castle 

Fashion students from Lichfield College, part of South Staffordshire College, have been invited to take part in an exciting work experience project in collaboration with Tamworth Castle, inspired by Queen Victoria’s historic visit to Tamworth in 1843.

The Queen Victoria textiles project invites the next generation of fashion and textile makers to rediscover and celebrate the art of Victorian clothing and craftsmanship.

As part of the opportunity, our fashion students have been tasked with designing and creating historically inspired garments, drawing on Victorian fashion and the rich heritage of Tamworth Castle’s object collection. The opportunity was inspired by a rare set of fabric samples in Tamworth Castle’s collection, originally linked to Queen Victoria’s 1843 visit to meet Prime Minister Robert Peel at Drayton Manor.

The students final creations will be showcased in a public exhibition at Tamworth Castle in February 2026, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the elegance and craftsmanship of 19th-century fashion through a modern lens.

As part of the project, students will also benefit from a series of workshops led by visiting artists and industry professionals, giving them hands-on experience in historical garment construction, textile design, and creative interpretation funded by the Castle’s Heritage Crafts Programme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The first of these workshops was led by historical costumier Maya Howes. Her session gave students valuable insight into the techniques and materials used in Victorian dressmaking such as cartridge pleating, and corset flossing.

The second workshop was led by Louise West, a renowned lace maker, who has helped introduce 19th-Century lace-making techniques to the students to help inspire their designs.

Over the coming weeks, the students will be visiting Tamworth Castle to explore its Victorian interiors and collections to draw inspiration for their final pieces.

Hayley Brooks, Fashion Lecturer at South Staffordshire College, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in local history while developing their creative and technical skills. The partnership with Tamworth Castle allows our students to work with real historical artefacts and bring Queen Victoria’s 1843 visit to life in a way that’s both educational and visually stunning.”

This exciting work experience project not only supports the students’ curriculum and career development but also strengthens community ties by celebrating Tamworth’s cultural heritage in a fresh and innovative way.

Tamworth Castle’s team is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration, which aligns with their mission to engage new audiences and reinterpret the Castle’s history through creative partnerships.

Emma Carter from Tamworth Castle team said “Tamworth Castle is thrilled to partner with South Staffordshire College on a creative project inspired by Queen Victoria’s 1843 visit to Tamworth. The idea stems from a remarkable set of fabric samples in the Castle’s collection, once owned by the Queen’s dressmaker and linked to garments worn during this historic occasion. These vibrant swatches, some annotated with notes for the Queen and Lady Peel, offer a rare glimpse into Victorian fashion.

Drawing on these textiles and the Castle’s archives, students will design and craft Victorian-inspired garments, taking inspiration from the Castle’s decorative features and artefacts. We are looking forward to seeing their creations at the exhibition in February”.