TIMELINE OF UK COSTUMING

Below is a timeline showing the development of costuming at British SF conventions. Click on the photos
themselves for larger versions, scrolling down where necessary.

1953

The first costume to be seen at a British con was worn by Dorothy Jacobs (later Ratigan) as part of a play put on by the London Circle. This is the only known photo.

DRAMATIC PRESENTATIONS

1954

The only two costumes to appear at SUPERMANCON were worn by Ina Shorrock and Pat Doolan, who were dressed as 'Bergey girls'.

1955

The Liverpool Group threw a party at CYTRICON and turned up in costume. A lot of effort had gone into Ina Shorrock's viking/valkyrie costume in particular

1956

Once again, at CYTRICON II, it was the Liverpool Group who turned out in costume. On this occasion many of their costumes were based on characters they portrayed in their 'tapera' - a play on tape that was played for the audience. More photos at that link, too.

LAST AND FIRST FEN
(audio and transcript)

1957

The first Worldcon outside North America was held in London this year, which meant British fans got to experience a Worldcon masquerade for the first time.

VIDEO OF 1957 WORLDCON COSTUMERS

The Eastercon only featured costuming in the context of the first St. Fantony ceremony. A much larger one would also be held at the Worldcon.

1958

No costumes were worn at the 1958 convention.

1959

Very few photos of this fancy dress party at BRUMCON, but a prize was awarded.

1960

LONCON was the first time that fancy dress was an event held up on the stage at a UK national convention, with proper judging and prizes awarded.

This had now become a regular feature at UK conventions.

1961

For a while during the 1960s another manifestation of costuming at conventions, starting here at LXICON, was jousting. Dressed in pseudo-medieval garb the participants would go at each other with wooden swords and cardboard shields. This predates the formation of the SCA in the US.

Ina Shorrock - our most dedicated early costumer - entered the actual fancy dress in a splendid 'Firebird' costume designed by Eddie Jones.

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