The Harris Acquires Kingfisher Couture’s Rose Dress with support from the Arts Council England/ V&A Purchase Grant Fund
The Harris is delighted to announce the acquisition of the exquisite Rose Dress by designer Ross Griffiths, known for his label Kingfisher Couture, purchased with support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund. This unique addition to The Harris Fashion & Textile collection represents an inspiring story of a local LGBTQIA+ designer, who is making waves in the fashion industry.
Ross Griffiths, a Preston-born designer, found inspiration in The Harris’ fashion and textile displays during his visits with his mother while growing up in Chorley. After pursuing other careers, he decided to follow his passion for fashion and founded Kingfisher Couture. Self-taught and drawing from his life experiences, Ross has gained recognition for his remarkable talent and journey.
The Rose Dress symbolises growth, reflecting Ross’s own transformation. The thornless rose motif on the dress signifies rebirth and the designer’s journey of overcoming addiction and homelessness, with HIV diagnosis being a turning point. The dress aligns with The Harris’s commitment to inclusivity and the representation of diverse communities within its collections.
The acquisition also holds a connection to Sir Brian May from Queen, as Ross dressed Lady Anita Dobson for the This is Icon Awards Gala in February 2023 where Ross received his own accolade as winner of the 2023 Emerging Designer Award.
Ross Griffiths, Kingfisher Couture Fashion Designer said: “I wouldn’t say it’s time … because it’s been time to be authentic for years, but … I insist on being my true authentic self and nothing less with my own unapologetic personal style.”
Use and Display of the Dress:
The Harris, currently undergoing a £16m Heritage Lottery Funded regeneration project known as ‘Harris Your Place’, will display the Rose Dress in the Ground Floor Rotunda, offering visitors a glimpse into the Harris’ rich fashion and textile collections while emphasising contemporary British designers with connections to Preston.
The dress will be showcased in large impact cases, rotating every 12 months to ensure we meet best practice textile conservation standards. Its floral design hints at our beloved Horrockses Fashions collection and the columnal silhouette of the dress complements The Harris building’s classical appearance.
The acquisition aligns with The Harris’s objectives to diversify its collection, represent local creativity, and engage with diverse communities in Preston.
Ross Griffiths has generously match-donated the purchase by offering his entire outfit worn to receive the This is Icon Emerging Designer Award in February 2023. This outfit, a flamboyant and extravagant statement, embodies his identity as a designer and personality, perfect for The Harris First Floor Balcony Gallery, which celebrates themes of identity and belonging.
Impact on the Museum and Community:
This acquisition is a significant step in realising The Harris’ acquisition policy and community empowerment guidelines. It provides a sense of identity and belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community and those living with HIV. The dress embodies stories of belonging and identity, preserving them for future generations.
Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council, said: “The addition of the Rose Dress to the Harris’ collection exemplifies our city’s commitment to embracing diversity, creativity, and the arts. It serves as a symbol of inspiration for our community, highlighting the talent and resilience of LGBTQIA+ individuals. We are grateful for the V&A Purchase Grant Fund’s support and look forward to celebrating this remarkable addition to our cultural heritage.”
Leanne Manfredi, National Programmes Lead, Victoria and Albert Museum said: ‘The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund supports the purchase of a wide range of material for the permanent collections of non-nationally funded organisations in England and Wales. We are delighted that Kingfisher Couture’s Rose Dress by designer Ross Griffiths has been acquired by The Harris, it will benefit audiences for years to come.’
Harris Your Place
Harris Your Place is a £16 million project set to restore and reimagine the Harris for 21st-century audiences as a cultural learning space. The aim of this project is to protect the building and the architecture for future generations whilst enhancing accessibility options and positioning the Harris as a community hub for Preston and Lancashire.
The capital project is more than simply preserving this much-loved building; Harris wants to ensure that it remains a vibrant heart of the community. A place where people want to spend their time.
