Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians
Our exciting exhibition explores what the Georgians wore, from the practical dress of laundry maids to the glittering gowns worn at court.
Discover what fashion can tell us about life in 18th-century Britain, a revolutionary period of trade, travel and technology which fuelled fashion trends across all levels of society. Delve into the Georgians’ style story and get up close to magnificent paintings, prints and drawings by artists including Gainsborough, Zoffany and Hogarth, as well as luxurious textiles, sparkling jewellery, and a range of accessories from snuff boxes to swords.
The exhibition reveals how the Georgians ushered in many of the cultural trends we know today, including the first stylists and influencers, the birth of a specialised fashion press and the development of shopping as a leisure activity.
The exhibition is taking place at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse formerly known as The Queen’s Gallery.
Getting the Georgian look ©
Buy the accompanying book
Exhibition highlights
Thomas Gainsborough (1727-88)
Queen Charlotte (1744-1818)
HRP 2008.036
Court dress
Sir David Wilkie (1785-1841)
George IV (1762-1830)
Thomas Gainsborough (1727-88)
Johann Christian Fischer (1733-1800)
BATMC II.24.9
Men’s Court Suit
William Hogarth (1697-1764)
David Garrick with his wife Eva-Maria Veigel
Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827)
New-Invented Elastic Breeches.
Attributed to British School, 18th century
St James's Park and the Mall
Plan your visit
Style & Society events
Map & directions
By car
There is a public car park adjacent to the Palace at Broad Pavement. Please visit the Historic Environment Scotland website for more details.
Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come first-serve basis.
By train
The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley. The King's Gallery is a 15 minute walk from the station.
Visit National Rail Enquiries for times and fares.
By tram
The nearest tram stop is York Place. The King’s Gallery is a 20 minute walk from the stop.
Visit Edinburgh Trams for times and fares.
By coach / bus
Bus numbers 6 and 35 stop near the Gallery. Open-top tour buses stop nearby.
Limited free coach parking is available adjacent to the Palace. Alternative pay-and-display coach parking is available on nearby Regent Road.
By bike
A free-to-use public bicycle rack is located opposite the Scottish Parliament.
