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Brooklands Museum

The textiles collection at Brooklands " The birthplace of British Motor Sport and Aviation" provides a fascinating insight into the glamorous and exciting life of the developing world of motor racing and aviation from 1907 to the present day. The collection of motoring clothing and accessories includes driving and motorcycle gear - coats, drivers' and mechanics' overalls, body belts, gloves, and goggles along with the more modern, fire retardant outfits made of nomex III and kevlar, covered in advertising. There is a collection of racing helmets, ranging from the first soft leather hoods to hard hats and today's streamlined helmets. There are uniforms worn by the RAC and examples of the use of textiles, with carbon and glass fibres moulded to make the cars themselves.

The story of the bicycle from the 'penny-farthing' to today's mountain bikes is featured. The influence of cycling on dress and the independence of women is demonstrated and there is a chronological array of women and men's cycling clothes. The collection also includes early leather cycling helmets.

Textiles concerned with aviation from 1907 -1989 include coats, flying and mechanics' overalls, helmets, gloves and goggles. There are also a few liquid conditioned suits, possibly used in the Stratosphere Chamber. Aircraft fabrics, for instance, Irish linen fabric samples from early aeroplanes and examples of how they were stretched, sewn, doped and painted are exhibited. Upholstery material from later aircraft demonstrates the industrial use of textiles and there is a sizeable collection of Royal Air Force and other military uniforms, related to Brooklands aircraft.

In addition there are flags, pennants and commemorative items. The Museum also collects costume associated with the social aspects of the clubhouse. This collection mainly comprises female costume with a collection of 1920s/30s ladies hats.

Photographs of costumes being worn are all around the Museum with many pictures from the 1920s and 1930s. The museum has a huge collection of photographs and other costumes from the 1920s and 1930s in storage, which can be accessed by students by appointment. A teaching room can be booked together with all the items to be studied.

A potential area of study is 'clothes for the job' - comparing the protective clothing necessary for early driving (racing and social) and aviators to those of today. It would also be interesting to look at clothing's fitness for purpose, at the different materials used and how such garments are constructed. Investigating how textiles are used in industry, and their use in the construction of racing cars and aeroplanes, could be another area for study and could include science as well as technology.

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