Vera costume to be displayed at late night museum event
Author Ann Cleeves will also attend the evening, which will see the TV detectives iconic outfit on display for the first time
The costume worn by TV detective Vera will go on public display for the first time as part of an after-hours event at Newcastle’s Discovery Museum next month.
And Ann Cleeves, the creator of the famous character played by Brenda Blethyn for 14 years will also be in attendance.
Discovery Nights: Wonder Women is taking place on the evening of March 6 (6-9pm) and has taken its inspiration from International Women’s Day.
The event will celebrate women connected to the North East, past and present, through a programme of talks, performances and hands-on activities.
The now iconic costume, worn by Brenda in the long-running ITV drama, which was entirely filmed in the North East, will be shown alongside clothing linked to South Tyneside author Catherine Cookson and an early design by Sunderland-born fashion designer Louise Trotter.
Ann, who wrote the books on which the TV series was based, will give a short reading followed by a Q&A at the start of the evening.
The programme also includes live music from Kirsty Hall, proggy mat making with experts from Woodhorn Museum, and a performance by all-women drumming group Bangshees.
Kylea Little, keeper of history at Discovery Museum, said: “Vera’s costume has never been seen by the public before. To have it out on display for the first time alongside Ann Cleeves who created the character is particularly special to us, and, we hope, the people who come to the event. We’re very grateful to Ann for joining us.
“The Discovery Nights events have been running for over a year now and have created a warm, thoughtful community, with people taking things at their own pace. Whether it’s to explore the galleries or mingle and meet friends with a drink, chill on a solo trip, or stroll about dipping in and out of activities we want people to relax and have fun.”
Further activities include short talks on women from regional history, displays from Tyne & Wear Archives, a book swap, and a bar in the museum café. Tickets cost £10 and must be booked in advance from the North East Museums website.