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Chorley’s have been instructed to sell the collection of Anne Gainsford, a set, costume and hat designer for the theatre, films and television. The interior of her Richmond home reflected her many interests, including military uniform, opera, millinery, theatre and textiles. Her knowledge of historical styles and techniques made her the perfect choice to produce the top hat worn by Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in the acclaimed BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Chorley’s have been instructed to sell the collection of Anne Gainsford, a set, costume and hat designer for the theatre, films and television. The interior of her Richmond home reflected her many interests, including military uniform, opera, millinery, theatre and textiles.
Her knowledge of historical styles and techniques made her the perfect choice to produce the top hat worn by Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in the acclaimed BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (1995). Other hat-making credits include the top hat worn by Ralph Fiennes in Onegin (1999) and the example worn by Johnny Depp in Finding Neverland (2004).
Anne was born at Somersby House in Lincolnshire, also the birthplace of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Tennyson’s Charge of the Light Brigade, and the troops stationed nearby during World War II are thought to have sparked her obsession with military uniform. Later, she was consulted as an expert in the field, making bicorne hats for Master & Commander (2003).
After the war Anne studied stage design at the Slade School of Art and in the late 1950s worked as a scene painter for Disley Jones at the Lyric Hammersmith (The Demon Barber, 1959) before getting her big break working as design assistant to Franco Zeffirelli on productions including Romeo and Juliet at the Teatro Romano in Verona (1964) and her first film, The Taming of the Shrew (1967).
Highlights
Lot 674 A view of Queens Terrace, Richmond, attributed to George I Barret (circa 1728-1784). An extensive and romantic view
(detail to right)
Estimate: £6,000-8,000
Lot 702 An Aubusson tapestry depicting Dido and Aeneas, circa 1700
Estimate £600-800
Lot 764 A folio of 20th Century theatrical costume and set designs
mainly watercolours, including examples by Anne Gainsford (1935-2025) for Richard III, Old Vic, 1962, a poster design for Domino at Lyric Hammersmith 1963, three costume designs by Philip Prowse (b.1937] and unsigned designs for productions of Dr Faustus, The Recruiting Officer and Adam of Haversham
Estimate: £200-300
The auction will be held on the 24th of September
Explore Chorley's September 2025 Auction
