V&A to Host Free Exhibition on Burberry Trench Coat
The display, 'The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon', will run from September 2026 to January 2027.
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The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) will host a free exhibition dedicated to the history and influence of the Burberry trench coat. The display, named 'The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon', is scheduled to run from September 21, 2026, until January 3, 2027, at the V&A South Kensington. This event marks part of Burberry's 170th anniversary celebrations.
Exploring Invention, Craft, and Creativity
The exhibition will be divided into three distinct sections. 'Invention' will delve into the origins of the trench coat, focusing on Thomas Burberry's development of cotton gabardine in 1879, the material that defined the early functional and stylish outerwear. The 'Craft' section will examine the detailed construction of the coat, highlighting elements such as hand-finished collars, the signature check lining, storm flaps, and detachable throat latches. Finally, 'Creativity' will showcase 19 runway looks from the past 25 years that have reinterpreted the trench coat, demonstrating its ongoing evolution in contemporary fashion.
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The display will feature a range of materials drawn from Burberry's archive, alongside pieces from the V&A's own collection. As reported by Time Out London, the exhibition aims to trace the trench coat's journey from its inception to its current status as a significant British fashion symbol. Rare items, including early 20th-century catalogues and a trench coat once worn by fashion designer Hardy Amies, are expected to be exhibited publicly for the first time.
Future V&A Developments
The upcoming exhibition precedes a significant development at the V&A. The museum's Fashion Gallery is undergoing a substantial refurbishment, with support from Burberry. This gallery is set to reopen in autumn 2028, rebranded as the Burberry Gallery. The collaboration underscores Burberry's long-standing relationship with the V&A and its commitment to preserving and celebrating fashion heritage.
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Questions this report answers
+What dates will the Burberry trench exhibition run?
The exhibition will run from September 21, 2026, until January 3, 2027. This gives visitors several months to explore the history and craftsmanship of the iconic trench coat at the V&A South Kensington.
+Will there be any special items on display?
Yes, rare items such as early 20th-century catalogues and a trench coat once worn by fashion designer Hardy Amies will be exhibited publicly for the first time. These pieces highlight the coat's historical significance and enduring legacy.
+What will the exhibition cover about the trench coat?
The exhibition will cover three areas: its origins in Thomas Burberry's 1879 invention of cotton gabardine, the detailed craftsmanship like hand-finished collars and storm flaps, and its evolution through 19 runway looks from the past 25 years.
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