About the project
From the Aristocratic Court to the Theatre Stage. Historical Wardrobe in the Collections of Czech Castles and Chateaux in the European Context
The research project DH23P03OVV046 is funded by the Ministry of Culture - NAKI III Programme - Programme for Support of Applied Research in the Field of National and Cultural Identity for the years 2023 to 2030.
Consortium members:
Beneficiary – coordinator: National Heritage Institute
Coordinator: The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague
Coordinator: Palacký University Olomouc
Objective of the research project
The aim of the project is applied research of original historical clothes preserved in the collections of castles and chateaux managed by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) and the study of their character and changing socio-cultural functions. Selected textile objects characterize the values and complexity of the NPÚ monument fund not only in terms of the history of the Czech lands, national identity, art history, theatre science or history of industrial technologies, but also introduces them to the wider European geographical and cultural context. One of the most important sets of historical clothing and clothing accessories in the Czech lands is at the State Castle in Český Krumlov. It includes more than five hundred pieces of noble clothing, clothing accessories, liveries, evening dresses and theatrical costumes from the seventeen to the twentieth century. It has not yet been comprehensively professionally processed, although there are rich archival sources, portraits and other iconographic documentation on the clothing artefacts. Therefore, in cooperation with the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague (UPM Praha) and Palacký University Olomouc (UPOL) a historical, functional, technological, chemical and structural analysis of clothing pieces will be performed. Of course, there will be a comparison with the clothes preserved in other castles (e.g. M. Hradiště, Kynžvart, H. Týn, Žleby). The application of the research will then be realized in the form of three thematic exhibitions accompanied by the publication of critical exhibition catalogs. The output of the project will also include the production of several copies of baroque theatrical costumes for stage use. The methodology of optimal presentation and storage of clothes of various types will certainly be a benefit. The clothes in the administration of NPÚ will thus be finally incorporated in the European context.
Research team meeting at the State Castle and Chateau in Český Krumlov
The research team's final meeting of 2024 in Olomouc
