The Academy Costume Collection – Part I

An array of vintage, designer and theatrical costume from renowned costumier Academy of London, are coming under the hammer at Tennants Auctioneers on 18th August, as part of their Antique and Vintage Costume and Textiles Sale.  The sale will be a ‘must-see’ for all fans of vintage clothes!

Focusing on costume from the 1960s to the 1980s, the collection combines vintage pieces with designer labels such as Yves Saint Laurent and Zandra Rhodes, and reproduction theatrical outfits. The garments have been carefully grouped into complementary lots, with affordable estimates starting at £60-100 plus buyer’s premium.

Academy was established in 1984 by Adrian Gwillym; having spent a decade working at the National Theatre with some of the greatest actors, designers and directors, Gwillym branched out to form his own costume company. Academy began collecting vintage costume and making reproduction costume for theatre work, but the company soon branched out into TV, film and music. They have supplied costume to major blockbusters such as the Harry Potter franchise, Casino Royale, Les Miserable and to major music stars such as Beyonce and Lady Gaga.

Part II of the collection will be sold in the Costume and Textile Sale on 24th November.

A fully illustrated catalogue for the sale of Antique and Vintage Costume and Textiles will be available Tennants’ website www.tennants.co.uk leading up to the sale.

Illustrated:

A Late 1970s Zandra Rhodes ‘Conceptual Chic’ Inspired Full Length Dress, sold together with a Mary Quant Poncho: Estimate: £80-120

Circa 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Cotton Maxi Dress, sold together with two other outfits: Estimate: £100-200