This unique research project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund aims to enhance understanding of the role of police in society. In collaboration with the West Midlands Police Museum, experts and students in fashion and computing at Birmingham City University focus on the evolution of police uniforms throughout history by creating an easily accessible, digitised collection and an exhibition with community engagement to gather diverse perspectives and to make it accessible for all.
The project aims to challenge perceptions of police, with a better understanding of the people behind the uniform. The intended outcomes of the project include a book, several performances of a fashion show, digital scans of uniforms, oral histories and uniform replica displays. Fashion and gaming students will be gaining professional skills and experience on the project, producing digital scans and textile replicas.
Bringing archived uniforms to life
A Victorian jail in the heart of Birmingham played host to a fashion show with a twist as Birmingham City University and West Midlands Police celebrated the launch of a unique research project.
