Cosprop, is probably one of the most revered and influential arts companies you’ve never heard of. Founded in the 1960’s by London arts student John Bright, it started as a small collection of antique bodices he discovered whilst rummaging around Paris’ Cligancourt flea market. Sixty years later it’s grown into a collection of over a million costume items and Cosprop has been responsible for the production of some of the most beautiful and iconic film and theatre costumes during that period.

Think of any major historical drama and Cosprop is likely to have been involved; Room with a view, Howards End, Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice are just a few of the many well-known productions represented in this new exhibition at Edinburgh’s Dovecot studios. Whilst the full Cosprop collection is housed in North London, a veritable Aladdin’s cave closed to the general public,  some of its most iconic pieces are being shown here until January 2027

Visitors can follow the evolution of the company from its early work to more recent films. From its very inception, the costumes have always been truly breathtaking, with huge attention paid to every detail. Bright’s own collection has served as the inspiration for reproductions using authentic materials and methods and some costumes have taken months to produce. Confections in lace and muslin, bodices crafted from richly woven silks and velvet, boots, spats, caps and capes, it’s all here to admire. Whilst there was originally a focus on Victorian and Edwardian attire, the company’s skills have latterly been used to produce clothes from earlier periods catering for the Regency dramas of Jane Austen through to Tudor and medieval pieces.  From swashbuckling pirates, like Depp’s Jack Sparrow, to the bejewelled little Maharajah from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, there is something here for everyone. These costumes have borne witness to some memorable scenes. Who could forget Helena Bonham Carter as Lucy Honeychurch kissing George Emerson in Room with a View or Meryl Streep as the plucky Karen Blixen in the 1980’s epic Out of Africa, whose costumes  sparked their very own fashion trend at the time. As an added bonus from September  Mr Darcy’s (Adonis from the lake) white shirt – will be  added to the collection.

It’s a rare treat to be able to view such a cornucopia of costume history in one setting and this stunning exhibition  is sure to prove a hit.