From the National Trust"Famous actress Ellen Terry wore this shimmering dress in the 1888 production of Macbeth. Decorated in more than 1,000 beetle wings, it was even immortalised in a painting by John Singer Sargent."

 

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"Ellen worked closely with costume designer Alice Comyns Carr to bring out Lady Macbeth's persona in everything she wore - this particular piece was designed to invoke fear as she walked on stage, giving the appearance of a serpent's scales.

 

Catch it on display at Smallhythe Place in Kent before it's put away for conservation 'rest' from 3 Nov."

 

The dress is on display at Smallhythe Place in Kent, England now through November 3, 2025.

 

(Below Photos by Cassie Dickson and James Dobson, Smallhythe Place - National Trust)

 

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