Cathy's Art Diary

Fun exhibition in the Archive Gallery at Glyndebourne Opera House looking at how the costume department made Louise Alder's impressive dress for the Last Night of the Proms in 2025. The room was dominated by the dress itself. I remembered it from the concert and it was very impressive. I hadn't realised the back was red with a red and blue bow. I remember at the time hearing that the costume department had made it for her as she had been starring in one of their productions that year. It was shown with pictures of other dresses made in response to the Union Jack and photographs explaining the process of designing and making it. There was also bunting made from odd cuts decorated by members of the team who had made it. Closes 30 August 2026

Touching exhibition in the Organ Room at Glyndebourne Opera House of a selection of costumes worn by Dame Felicity Lott. I say touching as since the display was planned Dame Felicity Lott has died. The display was organised with her to mark the auction of a number of her outfits in aid of   Friends of Sussex Hospices in October. As she was involved in the show the descriptions of the outfits had been written by her. There were five outfits displayed in the fireplace including a kaftan made by Glyndebourne’s costume department, worn at the BBC Proms, and a military jacket designed by Laurent Pelly, director of this season’s Ariadne auf Naxos. This was a lovely unintentional homage to the singer who had often sung at the opera house and who lived nearby. Closes 30 August 2026