Victoria and Albert acquires Margaret Thatcher outfits

London’s Victoria and Albert museum has acquired a number of pieces from Margaret Thatcher’s wardrobe, which will go on display in December within the museum’s fashion gallery.

The six outfits mark significant moments in the UK’s first female prime minister’s life and were donated to the Victoria and Albert by her children Mark Thatcher and Carol Thatcher and grandchildren Amanda and Michael Thatcher.

The looks include a number of pieces designed by Aquascutum, who provided her with tailored suits throughout her career, including a royal blue wool suit and matching silk blouse, and a pink brocade suit with a floor-length skirt and sleeveless silk cape that Thatcher wore to the Lord Mayor’s banquet in 1988 at London’s Guildhall.

Other items include a caramel silk crepe day dress with a delicate floral print by Daphne Scrimegour, Thatcher’s personal dressmaker, a long navy blue silk dress with gold flower motifs and flower shaped belt buckle designed by Jean Muir, a fuchsia pink wool crepe suit by Tomasz Starzewski, and a printed silk dress and black coat with matching lining by the same designer.

In addition, there is also a wide brimmed, black slub silk hat with feathers and velvet-flecked tulle designed by Deida Acero. It was worn by Baroness Thatcher at Sir Denis’s funeral in 2003 as well as for the funeral of former US President Reagan the following year.

Victoria and Albert senior curator of fashion, Claire Wilcox, said: “Baroness Thatcher was an internationally recognised political figure who used her wardrobe as a strategic tool to project power and inspire confidence. She was notable for supporting the British fashion industry and patronised many of the leading designers of the day.

“Baroness Thatcher learnt to dress for the camera whilst in office, and interestingly, amended her wardrobe after the House of Commons became televised in November 1989. This gift constitutes a record of the working wardrobe of one of the most influential and powerful women of the twentieth century, and will form an important addition to the Museum’s fashion collection.”

Images: courtesy of Victoria and Albert / Rex