College Students Partner with Tolethorpe Hall for Behind-the-Scenes Fashion & Photography Project   

Students from our Photography and Fashion departments recently took part in an exclusive collaborative project at the iconic Tolethorpe Hall, home of the Stamford Shakespeare Company.

The hands-on experience allowed fashion students to experience the hall’s extensive theatrical costume collection, while photography students captured dynamic location shots across the historic estate’s historic grounds and gardens.

During the visit, fashion students explored the intricate craftsmanship and historical tailoring techniques embedded in Tolethorpe’s rich wardrobe collection. Stepping behind the scenes, they examined garment construction, fabric performance, and period design before styling and modeling selected outfits. Meanwhile, photography students put theory into practice, working across various outdoor locations to master visual composition, adapt to changing natural lighting, and direct live fashion shoots in a real-world setting.

The cross-curriculum collaboration provided a valuable opportunity for students to experience a professional production workflow, bridging the gap between historical design and contemporary visual storytelling. Both groups left the session with unique additions to their portfolios, alongside a deeper practical understanding!